Pedestrian Killed Crossing U.S. 13 in New Castle

New Castle - A 50-year-old Bear woman was killed yesterday evening while trying to cross North Dupont Highway (U.S. 13).

An initial investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit indicates that at 9:49 p.m. Rebecca Reese was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of North Dupont Highway, south of Del. 141, when she was struck by a 2003 Ford Taurus. The Taurus was traveling in the center lane. The driver of the Taurus, Robert Stradley, 47, of Wilmington, had swerved to avoid Reese, but the driver's side side-view mirror struck Reese, who fell onto the left lane. She was then struck by a 2006 Dodge Ram operated by George Moody, 73, of Wilmington.

Both drivers remained at the scene and were not injured. Reese was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the crash, she was not crossing at a crosswalk and was not wearing reflective clothing nor carrying a light.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation and no charges have been filed. There were lane closures on northbound North Dupont Highway for approximately three hours as troopers investigated and cleared the crash.

Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate crosswalks 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 clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians who are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.