One University of Delaware Student Dead and Several People Including Other UD Students Injured in Crash Near Campus

April 30, 2025/Joe Ciccanti

Earlier today, a University of Delaware student died in a traffic crash on Main Street near campus, and several other people, including other UD students, suffered injuries. There is no ongoing threat to the University community. University of Delaware Police are working with the Newark Police Department which is actively investigating the incident. The university put out a statement extending condolences and offering support. Meanwhile, according to the Delaware Attorney General’s Office, eight others were injured in the crash what was described as a driver’s attempt to evade law enforcement. Delaware AG Jennings vows that the individual responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

 

Statement from AG Jennings on Tuesday’s fatal collision on Main Street

Attorney General Kathy Jennings released the following statement regarding yesterday’s fatal collision on Newark’s Main Street, which killed one victim and injured eight others:

“A student was murdered in broad daylight yesterday.

 

“Nine innocents were struck during the defendant’s attempt to evade law enforcement.  These students were not in the wrong place at the wrong time—they were nine young people out on a beautiful afternoon, enjoying the heart of one of our state’s crown jewel cities. 

 

“Because of one person’s cruel and selfish decision, because of the defendant’s choice not to obey police officers, nine people were hurt.  One of them will never go home. 

 

“The defendant stands to spend his life in prison. He is innocent until proven guilty; we intend to do just that. 

 

“This is a tragedy—one that has to serve as a lesson. This is what you invite when you flee from the police, and we are not going to tolerate it. 

 

“This happened because of the defendant’s snap decision, in a moment when law enforcement were attempting to keep pedestrians safe.  Main Street is the beating heart of downtown Newark and the University of Delaware. We have to guarantee its safety, and the right of every law-abiding Delawarean to enjoy a beautiful day without fear for their safety or their life. 

 

“As an alumna, as a mother, and as Attorney General, I promise you this:  this defendant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and I will not rest until we have found justice for what happened to these students.”

 

A message to the UD community from President Dennis Assanis and VP José-Luis Riera

Dear UD Community,

It is with a heavy heart that we share this information with you. Earlier today, a University of Delaware student died in a traffic accident on Main Street near campus, and several other people, including other UD students, suffered injuries. There is no ongoing threat to the University community.

University of Delaware Police are continuing to work with the Newark Police Department, which is actively investigating the incident. As a result, information is limited and the Newark Police Department is not releasing the victims’ names at this time, pending family notification. 

This is a terrible tragedy for everyone in our UD community. We speak for the entire University in offering our condolences to the families, friends and classmates of the victims, and keep the other members of our community in our thoughts who may have witnessed the crash and its aftermath. The safety of our entire community remains our top priority, and we will continue to work with our partners in city and state government to address safety concerns around and on the UD campus. 

As we all begin to cope with this traumatic incident, we encourage you to support one another and reach out for additional help from the UD resources listed below as needed.

Sincerely,

Dennis Assanis, President

José-Luis Riera, Vice President for Student Life

 

Support and resources

  • Center for Counseling and Student Development — In addition to normal business hours and routine services, counselors and Student Life staff are available in Warner Hall 101 on Wednesday, April 30, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for counseling services. 

  • TimelyCare — A virtual health and wellbeing platform available 24/7 for UD students

  • Student Advocacy and Support — Available to assist students who need support navigating University resources or complex issues. Call 302-831-8939 or email studentsupport@udel.edu to schedule an appointment.

  • ComPsych® GuidanceResources® — Mental health support for UD benefited employees. Access services through the link or call 877-527-4742 for support.

  • Additional safety and wellness resources — Information about UD Police, Student Health Services and other services.

  • Information about the UD Alert, the LiveSafe app and safety notification communication.

 

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