Troopers Investigate Fatal Bicycle Crash, Harrington

Location: Jackson Ditch Road east of Rachel Drive, Harrington, DE

Date of Occurrence: Saturday July 7, 2012 at approximately 9:55 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: Marilene Shelton, 32, Harrington, DE
Vehicle #1: 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430

Bicyclist:

Donald C. Beach, 60, Harrington, DE

Resume:
Harrington, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash involving a bicyclist.

The incident occurred Saturday evening at approximately 9:55 p.m. as Donald C. Beach was riding his bicycle westbound on Jackson Ditch Road just east of Rachel Drive near Harrington. At the same time, Marilene Shelton was also westbound on Jackson Ditch Road operating a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430 when she struck the rear of Beach’s bicycle causing him to be thrown onto the grass on the north side of the roadway. Shelton was able to come to a controlled stop shortly after the collision.

Beach was initially transported by EMS to Kent General Hospital, but was later transferred to Christiana Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Shelton, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash.

The investigation is continuing into the cause of the crash and the roadway was closed for approximately one hour as the crash was investigated and cleared.