Rehoboth – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred around 9:42 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2017 as a 66-year-old Millville man was operating a 2015 Mercedes-Benz in the center lane on southbound Coastal Highway in the area of Old Landing Road. A pedestrian was on foot and attempting to cross Coastal Highway in an easterly direction, directly in the path of the Mercedes-Benz, said Jaffe. The operator of the Mercedes-Benz was unable to avoid the pedestrian and struck the victim with the left front bumper. The victim was forced up onto the hood and windshield before falling off in the middle of the far left lane on Coastal Highway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Mercedes-Benz came to a controlled stop in the southbound shoulder, south of the collision and remained at the scene. The operator and passenger of the Mercedes-Benz were properly restrained and uninjured as a result of the crash. Alcohol/Unsafe speed is not a factor on behalf of the operator, said Jaffe.
The victim, 54-year-old Irving T. Cannon of Rehoboth Beach was wearing all dark clothing none of which was reflective, and was not carrying a light or crossing in a crosswalk. Alcohol is being considered as a factor on his behalf, said Jaffe.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and asks anyone with information to please contact Detective J. Burns at (302) 703-3266. No charges have been filed at this time.
The Southbound lanes of Coastal Highway in the area of Old Landing Road were closed for approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.