Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred Tuesday night on Newport Gap Pike (Route 41) in the Wilmington area, according to Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell.
Hatchell said on July 12, 2022, at approximately 9:17 p.m., a black 2016 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling southbound on Newport Gap Pike (Route 41). At this time, a white 2014 Ford F250 was traveling northbound on Newport Gap Pike approaching the driveway to a private residence.
The Ford turned left attempting to enter the driveway, and directly into the path of the Harley according to Hatchell. The motorcycle applied its brakes in an attempt to avoid the collision, but ultimately struck the right-side rear of the Ford. As a result of this collision, the Harley traveled out of control into the northbound lane. A white 2015 Subaru Outback that was traveling northbound on Newport Gap Pike behind the Ford, struck the motorcycle causing it to be lodged underneath it.
The operator of the Harley, a 30-year-old male of Cochranville, PA was ejected from the motorcycle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
Hatchell said the operator of the Ford, a 58-year-old Wilmington man, was cited for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. The operator of the Ford and the operator of the Subaru were not injured in the collision.
Newport Gap Pike was closed in both directions between Loveville Road and Millcreek Road for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.