Delaware State Police have identified the victim who died during a fatal two-vehicle collision on December 23, 2021, as John “Tony” Estus, 82, of Smyrna.
Original Story
Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred Thursday evening in Smyrna, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Heather Pepper.
Pepper said on December 23, 2021, at approximately 5:42 p.m., a 2006 Ford Taurus was traveling southbound on US-13 in the dedicated left-turn lane at the intersection of Spring Meadow Drive and Hickory Ridge Road. A flashing red arrow was displayed for the left-turn lane as the 82-year-old female driver intended to turn left onto Spring Meadow Drive. At the same time, a 70-year-old female was operating a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox northbound on US-13 in the same area. As the Equinox approached the intersection, the driver of the Ford began to turn left, crossing directly into the path of the Equinox resulting in the front left of the Equinox striking the right side of the Ford. Following the collision, both vehicles came to rest near the entrance to Spring Meadow Drive.
The Ford Taurus was driven by an 82-year-old Smyrna woman. She was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.
A 82-year-old Smyrna man, the front right seat passanger in the Ford sustained fatal injuries and died as a result of the collision. Identification is pending notification to the next of kin.
The 70-year-old female from Clayton was operating the Equinox. She was properly restrained and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where she was treated and released.
US-13, in the area of the collision, was shut down for approximately 3.5 hours as the investigation was conducted.