Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred Friday evening in New Castle.
Officials said on January 23, 2026, at approximately 6:10 p.m., a Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound in the left center lane of South Dupont Highway south of Christiana Road. At the same time, a pedestrian began crossing into the southbound lanes from the Wawa located at 117 South Dupont Highway. The pedestrian crossed in the path of the Toyota and was struck in the left center lane. The preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian, identified as 64-year-old David Wilmore of Middletown, Delaware, had shoplifted from the Wawa and was crossing in a prohibited area with a fence line in the median to discourage pedestrians from crossing, police said.
Wilmore was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is being withheld until his family is notified.
The driver of the Toyota, a 45-year-old woman from New Castle, Delaware, was not injured and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, according to police. A DUI investigation lead to the woman being cited for driving under the influence of alcohol and she was released.
South Dupont Highway left southbound lanes were closed for approximately 4 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
