Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Thursday morning on westbound Pulaski Highway (Route 40) at the intersection of Rosetree Lane, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said on Thursday, December 23, 2021, at approximately 12:45 a.m., a 2019 Jeep Cherokee operated by a 22-year-old Newark man was traveling westbound Route 40 in the right thru lane east of Rosetree Lane. At this time a 35-year-old male from Chesapeake City, Maryland was walking westbound Route 40 in the middle of the right turn lane. The Jeep Cherokee merged into the right turn lane to enter a development when the pedestrian suddenly appeared in the path of the Jeep. The operator of the Jeep attempted to maneuver around the pedestrian, but the front left of the vehicle struck the man from behind, according to Hatchell.
The 35-year-old pedestrian was wearing dark clothing and was not equipped with any lighting device to make himself visible in the roadway said Hatchell. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The 22-year-old operator of the Jeep did not sustain any injuries.
The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours while the investigation was completed, and the roadway was cleared.
