NEWARK, DE – A fatal hit and run incident occurred early this morning at Rittenhouse Park, leading to the death of a female passenger. The Newark Police were called to the scene at approximately 5:08 AM following reports of an argument at 228 West Chestnut Hill Road.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a Ford F-150 pickup truck that had collided with a tree. The female victim, seated in the rear of the vehicle, had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle had already fled before the police arrived.
The Traffic Unit of the Newark Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation. Early findings suggest that the vehicle was speeding out of the park when it veered off the gravel road and struck the tree. The reasons behind this are still under investigation.
The identity of the deceased is currently withheld pending notification of her family. Due to the ongoing investigation, Rittenhouse Park will be closed to vehicular traffic until Monday, August 5, but will remain accessible to pedestrians.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact Cpl. R. Vernon at the Newark Police Department. Information can also be provided through various methods listed on the police department’s tips page, where details about potential rewards for helpful tips are available.