The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a crash that has turned fatal, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Melissa Jaffe.
Jaffe said the incident occurred on March 4, 2019, at approximately 9:15 p.m., when a 2001 Jeep Wrangler was traveling northbound on S. DuPont Highway (US 13) within the dedicated left turn lane, with the intentions on making a left turn. A 2003 Volkswagen Jetta was traveling southbound on S. DuPont Highway towards the intersection of Webbs lane in the right lane. The operator of the Wrangler failed remain stopped at the flashing red arrow light and entered the southbound lanes of travel, directly into the path of the Jetta, said Jaffe. The front center of the Jetta collided with the right front side of the Wrangler.
The operator of the Wrangler, a 16-year-old male from Dover was properly restrained and not injured.
The operator of the Jetta, 72-year-old Alan L. Gottfried, of Dover, was properly restrained. He was transported to the Bayhealth Kent General hospital in serious condition. Gottfried was later transferred to the Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on March 7, 2019.
The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.
The accident continues to remain under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit.