Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred in Hockessin.
On Wednesday afternoon rescue crews along with Delaware State Police responded to reports of a crash in the area of Lancaster Pike at Hercules Road.
Sources in law enforcement tell FSU that Wilmington Police Detectives also responded to the crash site reportedly following up on a missing person report.
Delaware State Police said on December 6, 2023, at approximately 4:09 p.m., troopers were called to the site of a crash after a passing motorist noticed a vehicle off the roadway. The investigation showed that between November 25 and December 6, 2023, a black Mitsubishi Outlander was traveling westbound on Lancaster Pike, just west of Hercules Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane and drove off the south edge of the road, eventually crashing into a guardrail. After that, the car continued through some vegetation before hitting two trees. During the crash, the driver was ejected from the car, and the vehicle finally came to rest in a creek located south of Lancaster Pike.
Police said the driver, a 42-year-old man from Oxford, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not officially confirmed that the deceased driver is the man Wilmington Police reported missing, however, the family of the missing man released a statement on social media. In a heartfelt message, the family announced the tragic passing of their loved one. The family’s statement emphasized their profound loss and requested privacy during this difficult time.
The family expressed their gratitude for the support and assistance they received in the search for their missing family member, acknowledging the community’s efforts.
The vehicle, the man’s age, the date range, and the fact that the driver was from Pennsylvania all match up to the man that Wilmington Police reported on November 28. When authorities release his name officially we will update this story.
Lancaster Pike was closed for approximately 4 hours while the crash was investigated and obstructions were removed from the roadway.