The Delaware State Police have released the identity of the individual who perished on Sunday night in Delaware City.
Officials said Brian Baynard, a 60-year-old resident of Elkton, Maryland, was the sole fatality in a single-vehicle crash that resulted in his car plunging into the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.
The incident unfolded at around 11:45 p.m. as Baynard was behind the wheel of a red 2014 Chrysler 300, navigating westbound along a gravel road on North Canal Road, situated to the west of the Reedy Point Bridge. For reasons that remain under investigation, the vehicle strayed from its course, descending onto the rocky banks of the canal before it ultimately crashed into the water and became submerged police said.
Emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident was reported, A search and rescue operation was initiated in the area where a witness said the vehicle entered the water.
Efforts were made to locate Baynard and any potential debris linked to the crash by dive teams, marine units, and the support of Delaware State Police Aviation’s Trooper 4. The use of sonar technology also played a role.
Despite the challenging conditions, rescue teams were able to locate and recover Baynard from the water. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The search continued into the early hours of Monday morning to ensure no other occupants were trapped within the submerged vehicle. No other injuries were reported.