MILLSBORO, DE — An 18-year-old Millsboro woman died after her car lost traction on a rain-slick roadway and crossed into oncoming traffic, triggering a three-vehicle crash Thursday morning in Sussex County, according to Delaware State Police.
The collision happened around 9:10 a.m. on Hollyville Road near Harmony Cemetery Road in Millsboro.
Investigators said a Ford Taurus driven by Paishence Young was traveling northbound when the vehicle entered a left curve, lost traction on the wet roadway, and began rotating counterclockwise into the southbound lane.
Police said the Ford crossed directly into the path of a southbound Hyundai Tucson, which struck the Taurus on its passenger side. A Jeep Cherokee traveling behind the Hyundai attempted to avoid the wreck but also collided with the Hyundai during the chain-reaction crash.
Young, who investigators said was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Wet Road Conditions Contributed to Deadly Collision
Delaware State Police said wet pavement played a role in the crash as the Ford lost control while negotiating the curve.
The drivers of the Hyundai and Jeep — identified only as a 45-year-old woman and a 53-year-old woman, both from Lewes — were not injured in the collision.
Authorities have not indicated whether speed or additional factors contributed to the crash.
The roadway remained closed for about three hours while investigators documented the scene and crews cleared the damaged vehicles.
Key Points
• An 18-year-old Millsboro woman died after losing control on a wet roadway
• Delaware State Police said the crash involved a Ford Taurus, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Cherokee
• Investigators said the teen driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision
Crash Shut Down Hollyville Road for Hours
The fatal collision occurred along a rural stretch of Hollyville Road near Harmony Cemetery Road, an area where curves and wet conditions can create hazardous driving situations.
State police collision investigators spent several hours reconstructing the sequence of events following the crash.
Fatal crashes involving loss of traction frequently increase during periods of rain, particularly on curved roadways where hydroplaning or overcorrection can quickly send vehicles into opposing lanes.
Officials did not release additional details about weather conditions at the time beyond describing the roadway as wet.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating the crash.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information relevant to the investigation to contact Sergeant A. Mitchell at (302) 703-3269.
Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to Delaware State Police or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Police said the investigation remains active.
