WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian that occurred late on April 5, 2023, on South Heald Street in Wilmington. Joshua A. Stepler, 25, of Felton, was walking south on the street when he was struck by a 2014 Kia Sorento driven by a 24-year-old female.
Stepler, who was not wearing reflective clothing or carrying a lighted device, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Stepler succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Impairment is suspected on the part of the pedestrian, and toxicology reports are pending. The driver of the Kia was wearing a seatbelt and did not sustain any injuries. Authorities closed South Heald Street for about three hours during the investigation.
Witnesses or anyone with information related to the incident are urged to contact Master Corporal J. Breen at 302-365-8486.