Laurel, Delaware – The Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation relating to a vehicle accident that occurred this morning north of Laurel, according to Director of Public Information, Sergeant Richard Bratz.
Bratz said the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at approximately 11:07 a.m., when troopers were dispatched to a private residence on Fire Tower Road in Laurel in reference to a death investigation as a result of a vehicle accident.
A 2012 Ford Escape, operated by a 77-year-old female, was initially traveling northbound on private property before coming to a complete stop in front of a private dumpster. After coming to a complete stop, the operator exited her vehicle and walked to the rear of the SUV in order to retrieve some garbage that she intended to throw into the dumpster. As she exited the vehicle, the vehicle was not placed in park, said Bratz. Upon reaching the rear of the vehicle, the SUV began to roll backward and knocked her onto the ground where she was subsequently overrun by the left side tires. There were no passengers inside the vehicle when this incident occurred.
The victim, 77 of Seaford, was located by family members. She was pronounced deceased at the scene and was transported to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. This incident occurred on private property, and no roadways were closed during the investigation.