Police car at the scene of a criminal related incident

CHESWOLD, DE — Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal collision that occurred Thursday evening when a van crossed into the path of a motorcycle on North Dupont Highway.

The crash happened around 7:47 p.m. when a Suzuki ZR9 motorcycle was traveling southbound in the left lane near Rose Bowl Road. According to investigators, a Toyota Sienna, driven by a 74-year-old Smyrna man, was stopped at a stop sign on Rose Bowl Road before crossing the highway and entering the path of the oncoming motorcycle.

The motorcycle struck the driver’s side of the Sienna, causing the motorcyclist to be ejected. Authorities said the rider, a 22-year-old man from Dover, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending family notification.

The driver of the Sienna suffered a minor injury and declined medical transport. No charges have been filed at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

“The preliminary investigation revealed the Sienna proceeded to cross the southbound lanes of North Dupont Highway and entered the motorcycle’s path of travel,” police said in a statement.

Investigation ongoing into Cheswold highway crash

State Police have not released details on whether speed, impairment, or distraction were factors in the crash. The roadway was closed for several hours Thursday night as investigators processed the scene.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant dashcam footage to contact Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit.

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