Smyrna – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into a crash that has claimed the life a Pennsylvania man, Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 8:24 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2017, on Smyrna Landing Road, just north of Brick Store Landing Road, Smyrna. A 2001 Lexus, being driven by Wade W. Knight, 22, of Philadelphia, was traveling Smyrna Landing Road northbound, at an apparent high rate of speed.
After proceeding through the intersection with Brick Store Landing Road, without stopping at the posted stop sign, Knight lost control of the vehicle, which then traveled off the west edge of the roadway, striking multiple trees, said Austin. As the vehicle began to spin, after making impact with the trees, Knight was ejected, ultimately coming to rest in the southbound lanes of Smyrna Landing Road. Knight was pronounced dead at the scene by responding EMS.
Knight was not wearing his seatbelt, and excessive speed does appear to be a factor in the crash. It has not been determined if impairment was a factor.
Knight was the sole occupant of the Lexus and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Smyrna Landing Road, between Paddock Road and Brick Store Landing Road, was closed for approximately 3 hours, while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Cpl. J. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-365-8486. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com