Fatal Accident Update

Troopers Investigate Fatal Crash Involving Bicyclist, Bethany Beach

Location:
Coastal Highway (SR 1) northbound, south of the Indian River Inlet Bridge, Bethany Beach, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Friday, June 21, 2013 at 4:40 p.m.

Victim/Bicyclist:
Dorothy Brenner-66 of Pittsburgh, PA (Deceased, pronounced at scene)

Operator/Vehicle:
Craig C. Thomas-53 of Lewes, DE (properly restrained, not injured)
2007 Chevrolet Panel Van

Resume
Bethany Beach-The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal crash in which a bicyclist was struck and killed this afternoon on SR 1 north of Bethany Beach.

Preliminary investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately4:40 p.m. this afternoon as Dorothy Brenner-66 of Pittsburgh, PA was riding a bicycle traveling on the shoulder of Coastal Highway (SR 1) northbound. For unknown reasons, Brenner attempted to cross the northbound lanes in a diagonal direction from the shoulder towards a median crossover, into the path of a non-contact vehicle that was traveling northbound in the right lane. The non-contact vehicle was able to aggressively brake and swerve to the left avoiding Brenner. The evasive maneuver by the non-contact vehicle forced a 2007 Chevrolet Panel Van operated by Craig C. Thomas-53 of Lewes, DE, also traveling northbound, to brake and swerve to the left, where the front of the van struck Brenner and her bicycle in the left lane. Brenner was ejected from the bicycle onto the grass median.

Dorothy Brenner-66 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Craig C. Thomas-53 was properly restrained and not injured.

Preliminary indication has determined that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this incident.

Coastal Highway (SR 1) northbound and southbound were restricted to one lane of travel for approximately 3 hours while the crash was investigated and cleared. The Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash.