Clayton– Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 6:08 p.m., Monday, January 04, 2021, on Arthursville Road north of Shorts Corner Road, according to Public Information Officer, Corporal/1 Jason Hatchell.
The initial investigation has determined a 2004 Ford F-150, operated by a 38-year-old Smyrna man, was traveling northbound Arthursville Road north of Shorts Corner Road, when it crossed over the southbound lane and lost control off the shoulder of the roadway. The Ford struck several fence posts which caused the vehicle to rotate. The Ford continued traveling off the south shoulder of Arthursville Road until the front of the vehicle struck a tree. The collision with the first tree caused the Ford to rotate clockwise and the driver side of the vehicle struck a second tree.
Initial reports from the scene indicate that rescue crews from the Hartly and Cheswold Fire Companies worked to extricate the driver from the vehicle upon their arrival. As Delaware State Police Aviation’s Trooper 4 arrived in the area, the pilot was asked set down by the on-scene commander. Trooper 4’s Trooper Medic would be the first medic on scene.
Shortly after Kent County Medics arrived on scene they determined that the driver had succumbed to his injuries. He pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
Arthursville Road was closed for approximately 4 hours while the collision was investigated and cleared.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Booth of the Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-698-8451.