Bethany Beach Woman Dies From Injuries Sustained In May 23rd Crash Near Georgetown

Location: Hardscrabble Road and Asbury Road, approximately 5 miles west of Georgetown, DE

Date and Time of Occurrence: Thursday May 23, 2013 at approximately 3:28 p.m.

Operators and Vehicles:
Operator 1: John E. Venters, 46, Georgetown, DE
Vehicle 1: 1999 GMC Sierra pickup truck
Passenger 1: 14 year old female, Laurel, DE

Operator 2: Neva L. West, 81, Bethany Beach, DE
Vehicle 2: 2008 Ford Escape

Resume:
Georgetown, DE - The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a May 23rd crash that claimed the life of a Bethany Beach woman.

The incident occurred on Thursday May 23, 2013 at approximately 3:28 p.m. as John E. Venters was operating a 1999 GMC Sierra pickup truck southbound on Asbury Road approaching the intersection of Hardscrabble road. At the same time, Neva L. West was operating a 2008 Ford Escape eastbound on Hardscrabble Road approaching the same intersection. For unknown reasons, Venters failed to stop at the posted stop sign and continued through the intersection and into the direct path of the Ford Escape. As a result, the pickup truck struck the left side of the Escape in the middle of the intersection. After impact, the truck continued in a southerly direction before coming to a stop south of the intersection on Asbury Road. The Ford Escape continued east and came to a stop on the edge of Hardscrabble Road.

John Venters and a 14 year old female passenger, who were properly restrained, were not injured in the crash. Neva West, who was properly restrained, was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital where she remained until she succumbed to her injuries and died this morning.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this incident.