Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Killed by Driver While Assisting at Crash Scene

by
August 14, 2024

GEORGETOWN, DE—The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the death of Thomas Berry III, a 23-year-old volunteer firefighter and Sussex County Emergency Medical Services employee, who died tragically while aiding at a crash site.

The incident occurred on August 13, at around 4:24 PM on Lewes-Georgetown Highway, west of Gravel Hill Road. A Chevrolet Malibu, attempting to overtake a Toyota Camry, sideswiped the vehicle and subsequently collided with a utility pole.

Delaware volunteer firefighter killed by driver while assisting at crash scene
Photo: delaware volunteer firefighter killed by driver while assisting at crash scene

Firefighter Berry, who had stopped to assist the drivers, was fatally injured by electrical wires from the snapped utility pole while helping the Malibu’s driver.

Berry was pronounced dead at the scene, with the official cause of death pending determination by the Division of Forensic Science. The Malibu’s driver, a 37-year-old man from Salisbury, Maryland, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

The driver of the Camry, a 54-year-old woman from Milton, Delaware, was unharmed.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.