Man Succumbs To His Injuries Days After Crash, Troopers Release Name

The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on January 9, 2019, at approximately 11:34 a.m., in which one driver has succumbed to his injuries, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.

The incident occurred when a 2016 Ford F-250 was traveling eastbound on SR12 (Midstate Road) approaching the intersection of SR15 (Canterbury Road) in Felton. A 2001 Dodge Ram was traveling northbound on SR15 (Canterbury Road) entering the intersection of SR12 (Midstate Road). The intersection is a four-way stop intersection controlled by a blinking red flashing light along with four posted stop signs. The operator of the F-250 failed to stop at the posted stop sign/flashing red light and struck the Dodge Ram in the driver’s side door., according to Jaffe.

The operator of the F-250, a 50-year-old Clayton man, was properly restrained and transported to the Milford Memorial Hospital where he was released with no injuries.

The operator of the Dodge Ram, 80-year-old Vaughn Wootten from Felton was properly restrained and transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and later transported to the Christiana Hospital. Vaughn Wootten succumbed to his injuries on January 13, 2019.

A passenger in the Dodge Ram, a 76-year-old woman from Felton was not properly restrained and was ejected. She was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital and later transported to the Christiana Hospital where she remains in serious condition.

SR12 (Midstate Road) at the intersection of SR15 (Canterbury Road) was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.

Both Trooper 4 and Trooper 2 were dispatched to this accident but neither was utilized.