Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation into a deadly collision that claimed the life of a Bear man on Summit Bridge Road in Newark.
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of April 11, 2026, around 11:00 p.m. when two vehicles collided while traveling north on Summit Bridge Road near Sunderland Boulevard. A Dodge Dakota pickup truck crashed into the back of a Ford Fiesta for reasons that remain under investigation.
Nicholas Petrucci, 61, of Bear, Delaware, was behind the wheel of the Ford and suffered severe injuries in the collision. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries on April 16, 2026.
The 23-year-old Middletown man driving the Dodge Dakota and his passenger escaped the crash without injuries.
Traffic was disrupted for several hours as investigators worked to reconstruct the scene and clear the roadway.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is actively working the case. Sergeant J. Jefferson is asking anyone who saw the crash or has video footage to call (302) 365-8484. Tips can also be submitted through the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Families affected by sudden loss or crime can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. The 24-hour helpline is available at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), or victims can email [email protected].
