WILMINGTON, DE (PRESS RELEASE) – Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred Tuesday night on Newport Gap Pike (Route 41) in Wilmington area.
On July 12, 2022, at approximately 9:17 p.m., a black 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on Newport Gap Pike (Route 41). At this time, a white 2014 Ford F250 was traveling northbound on Newport Gap Pike approaching the driveway to a private residence. The Ford turned left attempting to enter the driveway, and directly into the path of the Harley. The motorcycle applied its brakes in an attempt to avoid the collision, but ultimately struck the right-side rear of the Ford. As a result of this collision the Harley traveled out of control into the northbound lane. A white 2015 Subaru Outback that was traveling northbound on Newport Gap Pike behind the Ford, struck the motorcycle causing it to be logged underneath it.
The operator of the Harley, a 30-year-old male of Cochranville, PA was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The operator of the Ford, a 58-year-old male of Wilmington, DE appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and a DUI investigation ensued. A preliminary state police investigation suggests alcohol was involved. The operator of the Ford and the operator of the Subaru were not injured in the collision.
Newport Gap Pike was closed in both directions between Loveville Road and Millcreek Road for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit are continuing to investigate this fatal collision. Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact Cpl/2 Calio at 302.365.8483. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com