Troopers Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Crash, Dewey Beach

Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) southbound, south of Old Bay Road, Dewey Beach

Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 8, 2013 at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: R. Brandon Jones, 68, Felton, DE
Vehicle #1: 2001 Jeep Wrangler

Pedestrian: Garabed D. Zakarian, 55, Smyrna, DE

Resume:
Dewey Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred north of Dewey Beach last night.

The incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. as R. Brandon Jones was operating a 2001 Jeep Wrangler southbound in the right lane on Coastal Highway (SR1) just south of Old Bay Road. Garabed D. Zakarian was walking with two dogs from the east side of the road to the west side crossing SR1 southbound. As Zakarian stepped into the right lane of southbound SR1, he was struck by the Jeep Wrangler and thrown onto the southbound shoulder. The Wrangler immediately pulled into the parking lot of Sea Esta IV Motel where it came to a controlled stop.

Garabed Zakarian was pronounced dead at the scene. The two golden retriever dogs he was walking ran off after the incident and both have since been located uninjured.

R. Brandon Jones, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident. SR1 southbound, south of Old Bay Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”