Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred in the Smyrna area on Sunday evening, according to Senior Corporal Leonard DeMalto.
DeMalto said on October 2, 2022, at approximately 7:15 p.m., a black 2010 Harley-Davidson FXD motorcycle was traveling northbound on Dupont Parkway north of Paddock Road approaching the Smyrna Rest Area. For unknown reasons, the operator lost control of the vehicle and the motorcycle began sliding on its side. At this time, the Harley-Davidson was struck by another unknown vehicle, causing the motorcycle to be redirected towards the entrance to the Smyrna Rest Area, where it came to rest in the right northbound lane of Dupont Parkway. The second vehicle subsequently fled the scene.
Officials said that 53-year-old Charles Green and his passenger, 53-year-old Michele Baxendale, both of Wilmington, were transported to an area hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The driver, make, and model of the second vehicle remains unidentified at this time. Dupont Parkway was closed for approximately four hours while the roadway was cleared and the collision was investigated.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this collision to please contact Sergeant J. Jefferson by calling 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.