The Delaware State Police issued a press release on Thursday regarding a fatal motorcycle crash.
The original press release placed the rider of the motorcycle at fault stating that he ran a red light. State Police issued a new press release later in the day stating the the the driver of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 ran the red light.
Officials did not note the change or alert the media that the change had occured.
Below is the updated press release:
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision involving a motorcycle that occurred in New Castle last night.
Officials said on February 15, 2023, at approximately 9:41 p.m., a gray 2020 Kawasaki ZX-9R was traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway through a green light at the intersection with 2nd Avenue. At the same time, a blue 2021 Mazda CX-5 was traveling northbound on South Dupont Highway approaching the same intersection. The Mazda passed a car that was stopped at the red light in the left-turn lane and began to turn left onto 2nd Avenue through the red light. As a result, the front of the Kawasaki struck the right side of the Mazda in the intersection. The motorcyclist was ejected, and the Mazda came to a stop on the shoulder. The driver of the Mazda then fled the scene on foot and was last seen walking southbound on South Dupont Highway.
The motorcyclist, a 31-year-old man from Wilmington, Delaware, was taken to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Identification of the victim is pending notification to his family and relatives. The driver of the Mazda has not been identified or located.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.
Original Information Released By State Police
The Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal hit-and-run collision involving a motorcycle that occurred in New Castle last night.
Officials said on February 15, 2023, at approximately 9:41 p.m., a blue 2021 Mazda CX-5 was traveling southbound on South Dupont Highway through a green light at the intersection with 2nd Avenue. ‘
At the same time, gray 2020 Kawasaki ZX-9R was traveling northbound on South Dupont Highway approaching the same intersection. The motorcycle passed a car that was stopped at the red light in the left-turn lane and began to turn left onto 2nd Avenue through the red light police said. As a result, the front of the Mazda struck the right side of the Kawasaki in the intersection.
The rider was ejected, and the Mazda came to a stop on the shoulder. The driver of the Mazda then fled the scene on foot and was last seen walking southbound on South Dupont Highway according to police.
The rider, a 31-year-old man from Wilmington, was taken to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Identification of the victim is pending notification to his family and relatives. The driver of the Mazda has not been identified or located.
The roadway was closed for approximately three hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.