Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred yesterday north of Bridgeville, according to Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the incident occurred around 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 as 33-year-old Joshua C. Hoffer of Millsboro was operating a 1986 Honda Shadow motorcycle traveling northbound on Sussex Highway, (U.S. 13) in the right lane approaching the intersection of East Newton Road, Bridgeville. A 2009 Chrysler Sebring, operated by Michael D. Sauerwein, 42 of Rosedale, Maryland was westbound on East Newton Road.
For unknown reasons, Hoffer failed to stop for the red light and continued through the intersection directly into the path of the Sebring, according to Bratz. The front of the motorcycle struck the front left of the Sebring within the middle of the intersection. After impact Hoffer was ejected from his motorcycle onto the roadway. The Sebring also stopped in the middle of the intersection.
Hoffer , who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased.
Michael D. Sauerwein, who was properly restrained in a seat belt, was not injured.
This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Impairment is not a factor in this collision on behalf of the vehicle operator; however results are unknown on the part of the motorcycle operator. Speed is also not believed to be a factor in this collision on behalf of either vehicle.
The intersection of Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) and East Newton Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.