Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian that occurred in the Wilmington area last Wednesday night.
On April 5, 2023, at approximately 9:23 p.m., a pedestrian later identified as Joshua A. Stepler, 25, of Felton was walking south on South Heald Street towards the intersection with Rogers Road.
Officials said Stepler was initially walking within the southbound lanes of travel and crossed the solid, double yellow line and into the northbound lanes of travel. Stepler continued walking in a southerly direction within the left-through lane of northbound South Heald Street. At the time, a 2014 Kia Sorento was traveling northbound in the left lane of South Heald Street from the intersection with Rogers Road. The front of the Kia then struck Stepler police said.
Stepler was transported to an area hospital in critical condition. On April 8, 2023, Stepler succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Police said that Stepler was not wearing any type of reflective or bright clothing and was not carrying any kind of lighted device.
The 24-year-old operator of the Kia who was wearing her seatbelt, did not sustain any injuries from the crash. The operator’s headlights were illuminated at the time of the collision and impairment is not being considered a factor on the operator’s part.
South Heald Street between Rogers Road and Garasches Lane was closed for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and the roadway cleared.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident.