Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) south of Anchor Way, Dewey Beach, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday July 4, 2013 at approximately 9:34 p.m.
Operator and Vehicle Information:
Operator #1: Matthew T. O'Connor, 25, Washington, DC
Vehicle #1: 2005 Lincoln Aviator
Pedestrian #1: Roy E. Love, 79, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Deceased)
Pedestrian #2: Helene L. Love, 75, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Critical Condition)
Resume:
Dewey Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal pedestrian crash after two people were hit south of Dewey Beach.
The incident occurred around 9:34 p.m. last evening after the fireworks show in Dewey Beach. Matthew T. O'Connor was operating a 2005 Lincoln Aviator southbound on Coastal Highway (SR1) and was preparing to turn into a turn lane south of Anchor Way. Roy E. Love and his wife Helene L. Love were crossing from the raised concrete median to the west side of SR1 southbound when they both stepped out into the left lane and were struck by the Lincoln.
Roy Love and Helene Love were both transported to Beebe Medical Center where Roy was pronounced dead. Helene Love was later air-lifted to Christiana Medical Center where she is currently listed in critical condition.
Matthew O'Connor, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash. He was taken into custody and transported back to Troop 7 where he was charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and released. More charges may be forthcoming upon the completion of the investigation.
The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident. SR1 southbound between Anchor Way and Seagull Drive had one lane closed for approximately two 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.”
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
7 comments:
Keep allowing vehicles in these resort areas. Walk or take a bus.
Isn't a bus a vehicle? BTW the do old folks walked right in front of the vehicle and they weren't even in a cross walk. The vehicle wasn't at fault... the pedestrians were dumb dumb.
5:03pm It's not about safety. It's about the money to be made
No it's the dumb, high, drivers. Eye balls are looking at the half naked women. Yes buses is a vehicle, But can be controlled.
Anonymous said...
No it's the dumb, high, drivers. Eye balls are looking at the half naked women. Yes buses is a vehicle, But can be controlled.
July 5, 2013 at 8:04 PM
Wrong again. WTH do you think cross walks are for. There is no question he had been drinking and if he hadn't been drinking I am sure the same outcome would have occurred. These poor old souls not using their noggans step out in front of this unfortunate individual.
How sad.
Just a reminder. WALK SMART.
Don't assume the driver of a car sees you or is going to stop even if you are in a crosswalk.
Unfortunately this is a common occurence in dewey and its not surprising. I spend time there every summer and have had countless numbers of people dart right in front of me and have witnessed them dart in front of others both on foot and on bikes. So many people walking around and driving under the influence in resort towns such as this. Not sure what the solution is..maybe fining people who don't cross at crosswalks and making it a law to stop at those crosswalks. Sad for the couple who were hit and hope it doesn't happen again.
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