Laurel The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash of a bicyclist that occurred this morning east of Laurel, according to Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz.
Bratz said the the preliminary investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:28 a.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, as a 2001 Freightliner 6-wheel dump truck operated by Paul J. Fisher, 57 of Delmar, was traveling northbound on Whaley’s Road (CR 62) just south of Wooten Road (CR 72). The bicyclist, 59-year-old Steven S. Oney, of Laurel, was operating a mountain style bicycle northbound on Whaley’s Road just ahead of the dump truck. The operator of the truck failed to perceive the cyclist and struck the rear of the bicycle with the right front bumper. The dump truck came to a controlled stop just north of the collision, according to Bratz.
Oney, who was not wearing a bicycle helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Paul J. Fisher Jr., who was properly seat belted, was uninjured in this collision.
The investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit regarding the causation of the crash is ongoing. Charges have not been filed at this time. Speed and intoxication are not considered factors.
Both Wooten Road and Whaley’s Road were closed in the area of the crash for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. If anyone may have witnessed this crash or has any knowledge of the crash they are asked to contact Sergeant T. Mendez of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”