Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle that occurred in the Middletown area early this morning.
On November 5, 2022, at approximately 1:42 a.m., a 2016 Chrysler 200 was traveling in the left lane of southbound Route 896 south of the intersection with Bethel Church Road. At the time, a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle was traveling northbound in the left southbound lane of Route 896, approaching the intersection with Bethel Church Road. The front of the Harley struck the front of the Chrysler for point of impact. The operator of the Harley was ejected, and the motorcycle came to a rest in the right southbound lane. The Chrysler continued south a short distance and came to rest within the left lane of Route 896 southbound.
The 20-year-old male operator of the Chrysler was properly restrained and was not injured in the collision. The 19-year-old front-seat passenger, who was also properly restrained, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The Chrysler was occupied by three rear-seated passengers, all of whom did not sustain any injuries.
The 37-year-old operator of the Harley from Newark was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. Identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
Route 896 southbound was closed at Bethel Church Road for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway cleared.
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 Master Corporal Breen by calling 302-365-8486.