Bear – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving a motorcycle that took place late Wednesday night, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 11:29 p.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2018, on U.S. Rt. 40 eastbound, east of Church Rd., Bear. A 2003 Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle, being operated by a 36-year-old Wilmington man was traveling eastbound Rt. 40 in the left lane, at an apparent high rate of speed.
A 2016 Chrysler 200, operated by a 57-year-old Newark man was turning left from Rt. 40 westbound to continue into the Rockwood Apartment complex, which is just east of Church Road. As the Chrysler proceeded to make the turn, the Suzuki struck its right side. The impact caused the Suzuki operator to be ejected from the motorcycle and thrown to the roadway, where he came to rest on the Rt. 40 eastbound right shoulder. After the initial collision, a third vehicle, a 2018 Jeep, operated by a 22-year-old Philadelphia woman, struck the Suzuki which had come to rest in the Route 40 eastbound lane of travel.
The operator of the Suzuki was pronounced dead at the scene. High speed is being considered as a contributing factor on his behalf, impairment is unknown at this time. Identification of the victim is pending notification of next of kin, said Austin.
The operator of the Chrysler was properly restrained and declined treatment for minor injuries. Impairment is not being considered as a factor on his behalf.
The operator of the Jeep who was also properly restrained was not injured. Impairment is not being considered as a factor on her behalf.
U.S. Route 40 eastbound at Church Rd. was closed for approximately 3 hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the 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