Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred early Sunday morning on the southbound Coastal Highway (Route 1) in the area of Anchors Way, Dewey Beach, DE.
On July 24, 2022, at approximately 1:44 a.m., the victim and five of his friends hired a Lyft driver to pick them up in Dewey Beach and drive them back to their residence in Bethany Beach. As the group was traveling south on Coastal Highway, all in the same vehicle, a dispute occurred between the group and the Lyft operator. The Lyft operator terminated the ride and stopped in the middle of the left southbound lane and asked all six passengers to exit the vehicle. At this time, a 2016 Toyota Corolla driven by a 27-year-old male was traveling southbound on Coastal Highway in the left lane approaching the stopped Lyft vehicle (possibly a white Honda Pilot). As the operator changed lanes to avoid hitting the back of the Lyft vehicle, he failed to see the pedestrian who had just exited the right rear passenger seat and was standing in the road. As a result, the left front part of the Corolla hit the pedestrian. After the crash, the Corolla immediately pulled onto the southbound shoulder and came to a controlled stop. The Lyft vehicle sped off southbound on Coastal Highway shortly after the crash.
The 43-year-old male pedestrian from Clarksburg, MD was pronounced dead at the scene. The identification of the victim is pending notification to the next of kin.
The other 5 passengers were not injured after exiting the Lyft vehicle.
The road was closed for about 4 hours while the crash was investigated and the road was cleared.
The operator or Lyft vehicle has not yet been identified and remains under investigation
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Master Corporal Argo by calling 302-703-3264. Information can also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or online at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness to a crime or has lost a loved one to an unexpected death and need help, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victims Center is available to provide you with support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You can also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected].
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Presented by Public Information Officer Senior Corporal Jason Hatchell
Issued: 072422 0935
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