NEW CASTLE, Del. — Delaware State Police are investigating a fatal crash that claimed the life of an 80-year-old man on South Dupont Highway on Monday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 2:17 p.m. near Heddington Road, when a GMC Savana, driven by a 40-year-old man from Smyrna, struck the pedestrian.
According to police, the man attempted to cross the highway from the west side to the east side but was not using a designated crosswalk. As he entered the northbound lane, he stepped directly into the path of the oncoming vehicle. The driver tried to swerve to avoid the pedestrian but was unable to do so.
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released, pending notification of his family. The driver was not injured in the crash.
South Dupont Highway was closed for about two and a half hours as the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit conducted their investigation and cleared the area.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.
