First Responder Dies In Southern Delaware Motorcycle Accident

Alan Schweitzer

Georgetown – Laurel City Councilman Alan Schweitzer was killed in an early morning motorcycle accident yesterday west of Georgetown. A message on the towns Facebook page confirmed the tragic passing of the much-beloved Laurel Volunteer Fireman.

It is with great sadness to announce that Councilman Alan Schweitzer was involved in fatal motorcycle accident this morning. Councilman Schweitzer previously served on the Laurel Town Council from 2011 to 2013 and was just recently elected to serve as Councilman At Large and sworn in this past Monday night. Councilman Schweitzer was a long time resident of Laurel. He was a volunteer fire fighter for the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and a paramedic with the Town of Ocean City. The Town of Laurel expresses its sincerest condolences to Councilman Schweitzer’s family and friends, the posting said.

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the fatal motorcycle crash, according to State Police Spokesman Sergeant Richard Bratz.

Bratz said the preliminary investigation has determined the incident occurred around 11:06 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017, as Howard A. Scheweitzer, 62 of Laurel, was operating a 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle northbound on East Trap Pond Road (CR 62) approaching the intersection at Piney Grove Road.

A 2004 Ford Explorer operated by Yajira Quintana-Tinoco, 31, of Seaford, was traveling eastbound on Piney Grove Rd (CR 329), and stopped at a posted stop sign at the intersection of East Trap Pond Road. Yajira Quintana-Tinoco failed to remain stopped at the stop sign and entered the intersection directly into the path of the motorcycle. Scheweitzer was unable to avoid the collision, and the front of the motorcycle struck the right front of the Ford Explorer within the intersection.

Scheweitzer, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was ejected from the motorcycle upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Yajira Quintana-Tinoco, as well as two juvenile passengers in her vehicle, were uninjured.

The Ocean City Fire Department posted a message on their website asking for it’s members to pray for Schweitzer’s family.

It is with a heavy heart and much pain that we announce to you, that our Brother, H. Alan Schweitzer died this morning as a result of injuries sustained in an off-duty motorcycle crash. Please take a moment to say a prayer for Alan’s beautiful family.

Brats said this crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Impairment on the part of both parties is not being considered as a factor in this crash.

The intersection of East Trap Pond Road and Piney Grove Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Image Credits: Laurel Facebook Page

About Staff Writer

First State Update's Delaware editorial team covers New Castle County, Kent County and Sussex County breaking news, political news, and general news stories. We bring the reader the latest news from the Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach and all point in between. If you have news to share, email us at [email protected].

View all posts by Staff Writer →