Georgetown Woman Dies After Fatal Crash

Location: US Rt. 9 (Lewes-Georgetown Highway) 1 mile west of Prettyman Road, west of Harbeson, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 7:51 p.m.

Operators and Vehicles:

Operator #1: Corey A. Ortwein, 20, Lewes, DE
Vehicle #1: 2008 Pontiac G-5

Operator #2: 49 year old Georgetown, DE female
Vehicle #2: 1995 Honda Accord

Other Injured:

Kara B. Leonardo, 44, Georgetown (passenger in vehicle #1)

Resume:
Harbeson- The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred last night west of Harbeson.

The incident happened at approximately 7:51 p.m. on Saturday as Corey A. Ortwein, 20, of Lewes, DE was operating a 2008 Pontiac and was traveling eastbound on US Rt. 9 approximately one mile west of Prettyman Road. For an unknown reason Ortwein’s vehicle drifted into the westbound lane of Rt. 9 and narrowly missed striking a westbound vehicle which swerved to avoid a collision. However, Ortwein continued traveling eastbound in the westbound lane where his vehicle then struck the front of a 1995 Honda Accord which was being operated by a 49 year old Georgetown, DE female.

The female operator of the Honda, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Her name is being withheld pending the notification of her next of kin.

Corey Ortwein, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital. He was subsequently transported to the Christiana Hospital where he is being treated for serious non-life threatening injuries. A passenger in his vehicle, Kara B. Leonardo, was also removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Beebe Memorial Hospital. She was then also transported and admitted to the Christiana Hospital with serious injuries. Leonardo was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

US Rt. 9 between Prettyman Road and Gravel Hill Road was closed 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 Jay Burns at Troop 7 at 302-644-5020 ext. 112. 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.