Crash Claims Life Of Harrington Woman

Location: US 13 (South DuPont Highway) southbound, .1 mile south of Walnut Shade Road, Woodside, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Monday February 20, 2012 at 1:00 a.m.

Operators and Vehicles:

Operator #1: 57 year old Harrington, DE female
Vehicle #1: 1994 Pontiac Sunbird

Operator #2: Marlena R. Korona, 33, of Felton, DE
Vehicle #2: 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe

Other Injured:

5 year old female, of Felton, DE (passenger in vehicle #2)

Resume:
Woodside, DE- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred early this morning east of Woodside.

The incident happened at approximately 1:00 a.m. this morning as a 57 year old female from Harrington, DE was operating a 1994 Pontiac Sunbird and was traveling very slowly or stopped in the right lane of southbound US 13 approximately one tenth of a mile south of Walnut Shade Road. Marlena Korona, 33, was operating a 2000 Chevy Tahoe also in the right lane of US 13 behind the Sunbird, when she struck the rear of the Sunbird with the front of her vehicle. The Sunbird was forced approximately 133 feet south after the impact and came to a stop in the roadway. The Tahoe continued southbound before overturning on the driver’s side into a ditch.

The female operator of the Sunbird, who was not properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.

Both Marlena Korona and a five year old passenger in her vehicle, who were properly restrained, were removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Kent General Hospital where they were treated and released for minor injuries.

US 13 southbound at Walnut Shade Road was closed for approximately two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared. It has since been re-opened.

The investigation by the Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing at this time. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact Corporal Ron Rhodes at Troop 3 at 302-697-4454 ext. 216. Citizens may also provide information by texting keyword “DSP” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters may also provide information through lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333. Callers can also submit information via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com.