Sussex Co, DE (November 5, 2024) – A fatal car crash occurred on Monday evening in Sussex County, resulting in the tragic death of a 64-year-old man from Seaford. The incident, reported by the Delaware State Police, took place around 8:16 p.m. at the intersection of Ockels Rd and Sussex Hwy near Seaford. The collision has left the local community in mourning as they process the devastating loss.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 33-year-old woman from Milford, DE, was driving a Kia Optima eastbound on Ockels Rd when she failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Sussex Hwy. As the Kia crossed into the path of a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, the driver of the Silverado, a 37-year-old man from Laurel, DE, could not avoid the collision, striking the driver’s side rear of the Kia with significant force.
The crash’s impact sent both vehicles careening off the roadway, and emergency crews rushed to the scene. The female driver of the Kia was transported to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Tragically, the 64-year-old male passenger, a resident of Seaford, was also taken to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased. His identity is being withheld pending family notification. The driver of the Silverado, along with a 10-year-old passenger, also from Laurel, was treated at an area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Local fire and emergency personnel responded quickly, using specialized equipment to extricate the victims from the wreckage. Firefighters and paramedics worked alongside law enforcement to stabilize the injured and clear the scene. Sussex Hwy was closed for approximately three hours while authorities investigated the crash and worked to clear the roadway.
The Delaware State Police’s Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined if alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision, and no charges have been filed at this time.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this tragic accident. This is a difficult time for the family of the deceased, and we hope that they can find comfort in the support of their community.
Fatal Car Accidents in Seaford
Seaford and the surrounding areas have seen an increase in fatal car accidents in recent years. According to the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), in 2023 alone, there were over 50 traffic fatalities statewide, with more than 10 of them occurring in Sussex County, where Seaford is located. The most common causes of these fatal crashes include speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, and failure to yield at intersections, like the one where the crash occurred on November 4. Despite ongoing safety campaigns and road improvements, Seaford continues to struggle with high rates of road fatalities, a trend that is alarming both residents and law enforcement.
Traffic fatalities in Seaford and surrounding areas are not isolated incidents but part of a larger issue across Delaware. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the state of Delaware experienced a 5% increase in road fatalities from 2022 to 2023, which mirrors the national rise in traffic deaths.
In Delaware, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate is typically the one who files a wrongful death lawsuit. However, surviving family members—such as spouses, children, or parents—may benefit from the lawsuit’s proceeds. Delaware law allows these parties to seek damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from the death of their loved one.
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal Seaford car accident, a knowledgeable Delaware wrongful death attorney from Murphy & Landon is prepared to help. With a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a proven track record of success, we offer personalized legal representation to individuals injured due to negligence.
To speak with an attorney about your fatal Seaford car accident, call Murphy & Landon at (302) 472-8112 to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is equipped to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights and interests are vigorously defended.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any inaccurate information. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
