Delaware State Police are working to determine what caused a deadly collision in Newark that claimed the life of a Bear woman on Sunday.
Authorities report that around 3:30 p.m. on February 15, 2026, a Jeep Compass was heading east along Pulaski Highway close to David Place when it veered off the road’s right side and struck a telephone pole. Both people inside the vehicle were rescued moments before flames engulfed the Jeep.
Betty Williams, 71, of Bear, Delaware, was riding as a passenger in the front seat without wearing a seatbelt. Medical personnel transported her to a nearby hospital where she was treated for severe injuries. Williams succumbed to her crash-related injuries in the early hours of February 16, 2026.
The 70-year-old male driver, also from Bear, Delaware, was hospitalized with significant injuries following the incident.
The crash remains under review by the Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit. Authorities are seeking assistance from anyone who saw the accident occur, possesses surveillance or dashboard camera video, or has other pertinent details. Those with information can reach Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483, send a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page, or call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
Victims of crime, witnesses, or families who have experienced sudden loss can access support through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center. Help is available around the clock by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or emailing [email protected].
