The Delaware State Police are currently conducting an investigation into a fatal motor vehicle collision that took place on June 24, 2023, in Townsend. The incident occurred at approximately 5:37 p.m. and involved a blue 2019 Promaster delivery van and a red 2005 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The collision took place on Harvey Straughn Road, east of Black Stallion Road.
According to the preliminary investigation, the Promaster delivery van was traveling westbound on Harvey Straughn Road, while the Harley-Davidson motorcycle was heading eastbound on the same road, west of Vandyke Greenspring Road. As the van attempted to make a left turn into a residential driveway, it crossed into the path of the oncoming motorcycle according to police. Despite the motorcyclist’s efforts to brake and avoid the collision, he was unable to do so and collided with the right side of the van.
Tragically, the passenger on the motorcycle, a 23-year-old woman from Hartly, Delaware, lost her life in the crash. The driver of the motorcycle, a 20-year-old man from Dover, Delaware, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to the hospital by a State Police helicopter.
The driver of the delivery van, a 23-year-old woman from Wilmington, was not injured in the accident.
Following the collision, the authorities closed the roadway for approximately four hours to conduct a thorough investigation and clear the scene.
The Delaware State Police have identified the woman who lost her life in the crash as Chelsea Smith, a 23-year-old from Hartly.