Wilmington – On September 09, 2017 at approximately 3:26 pm, Wilmington Police Officers responded to the 600 block of S. Justison Street (Riverwalk) in reference to numerous reports of an occupied vehicle that had exited the riverwalk boardwalk into the Christina River, according to police.
Arriving officers observed a submerged SUV in the water and a water rescue was initiated by the Wilmington Police Marine Boat, along with the Wilmington Fire Department and the Delaware State Police Dive Teem. Subsequently, a 42-year-old male was removed from the submerged vehicle and pronounced deceased by New Castle County Paramedics on scene. The body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Services.
The preliminary investigation indicates that no foul play is suspected.
Civilians on scene entered the water and attempted to save the victim. Police have been in contact with a number of citizens on scene, but want to ensure that if anyone has witnessed this incident and are in need of any assistance, The Wilmington Police Department Victim Services Unit is available to offer support or services. A Victims Services-member can be contacted at 302-576-3622, Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM, or email [email protected]. The State of Delaware Crisis Intervention Services can be reached twenty four hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-652-2929.
Original Story
Wilmington – At around 3:30 this afternoon a man in a silver pickup truck was parked on Beech Street when it began to accelerate at a high rate of speed, crashing into the river, according to Kevin Hart, who witnessed the accident.
Hart said, the vehicle turned the corner screeching his tires speeding through the grass, breaking through the River Front gate becoming pinned between the dock and the shore.
Good Samaritans playing putt putt golf nearby, rushed to the scene with their golf clubs and began trying to break the windows in an attempt to get the man out.
As the vehicle began to sink into the water the good Samaritans had to jump out of the way for their own safety.
The man appeared to be unconscious, although the airbags did deploy, according to Hart.
As the vehicle submerged it became to dangerous for anyone to attempt to make a rescue.
Authorities where dispatched after numerous calls where placed to 9-1-1 dispatch.
Arriving crews began a search for the vehicle and located the patient at around 4:20 this afternoon.
The silver pickup truck had reportedly been in an accident shortly before turning onto Beech Street, according to witnesses.
A woman was heard on scene saying that a silver pickup truck had struck her vehicle and she was attempting to catch up with the other vehicle, according to Hart.
Hart, the owner of Hart General Contacting in Wilmington, was emotional as he and his wife recounted the story as their one year child slept in his car seat.
Thanks to Delaware Breaking News for their help in this story.
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