State Police Investigating Death Of Bridgeville Man

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are currently investigating the death of a 47 year old Bridgeville man. Last evening at approximately 9:41 pm, troopers responded to the 21000 block of Mill Park Drive, east of Bridgeville, in regards to a possible death investigation.

When emergency personnel arrived they discovered Eugene B. Tilghman, 47 of Bridgeville lying in the roadway suffering from an apparent head injury. EMS crews attempted CPR on Mr. Tilghman; however he died after being taken to Nanticoke Hospital.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit was contacted to conduct the investigation due to the suspicious nature of the death. Detectives have learned that Mr. Tilghman was involved in a verbal dispute with a 22 year old Bridgeville man. During this argument, Tilghman pulled a box cutter knife and threatened the 22 year old.

The man, in fear of his safety, armed himself with a piece of split rail fence that was lying nearby. Mr. Tilghman, armed with the box cutter, reportedly charged the 22 year old when the 22 year old struck Tilghman in the head with the piece of fence causing the injury. Tilghman died a short time at Nanticoke Hospital.

Today, a post-mortem examination will be conducted on Mr., Tilghman to determine cause and manner of death. This will be performed by the Sussex County Medical Examiner’s Office in Georgetown. The case remains under investigation and when additional details are known they will be provided.