Rehoboth Beach – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Coastal Highway (SR 1) just north of the Inlet Bridge late last evening, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred around 11:18 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2017 as a 56-year-old man from Orlando, Florida was operating a 2015 Ford E-350 Budget Rental box truck in the left lane of southbound Coastal Highway approaching the Inlet Bridge. A pedestrian, a 26-year-old man from Millsboro was on foot walking in a southwesterly direction just south of the box truck in the left lane of Coastal Highway. As the box truck approached the pedestrian from the rear, the operator was unable to see him, said Jaffe. As a result, the box truck struck the pedestrian, projecting him southbound. Both the box truck and the pedestrian came to rest in the left lane of travel on Coastal Highway.
The operator of the box truck remained on scene, was properly restrained and uninjured as a result of the crash. Alcohol is not a factor on his behalf, said Jaffe.
The victim, 26-year-old Joshua Covelli of Millsboro was wearing all dark clothing none of which was reflective, and was not carrying a light. He was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Beebe Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. It is unknown at this time if alcohol is a factor on his behalf.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident and asks anyone with information to please contact Troop 7 CRU at (302) 703-3267. No charges have been filed at this time.
The Southbound lanes of Coastal Highway just north of the Inlet Bridge were closed for approximately two hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.