One pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, and eight others suffered injuries. (Credit: 6ABC)
A University of Delaware student was killed and eight others were injured Tuesday afternoon when a stolen U-Haul van, fleeing from police, plowed into pedestrians and parked cars on East Main Street near the university campus.
The incident began around 4:30 p.m. when Newark police officers located the overdue rental vehicle in a parking lot on the 200 block of East Main Street. The van, which had not been returned since its March 18 due date, was occupied by two individuals.
As officers approached to arrest the suspects, the driver sped off, striking a marked police vehicle and fleeing westbound at a high rate of speed. Police did not pursue the van.
Moments later, the U-Haul struck two pedestrians standing beside a parked car. One of the pedestrians, a University of Delaware student, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The van continued down Main Street, colliding with multiple parked vehicles before becoming disabled.
In total, nine people were affected by the crash. Three individuals were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and three others were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The driver of the U-Haul sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized; both suspects were taken into custody.
The driver of the vehicle, Gordon Turner, 22, of New Castle, Del., was charged with second degree murder.
Turner is a fugitive, wanted by police in three states - Pennsylvania, Maryland and Georgia. Police said a handgun was found inside the U-Haul. Additional charges may be pending.
Turner is being held in custody on a $305,000 cash bond.
The University of Delaware community is mourning the loss of a 24-year-old graduate student. Her name has not been released, pending notification to the family.
In a statement, university President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and emphasized the university's commitment to campus safety. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff.
This tragedy marks the second fatal incident involving a University of Delaware student on Main Street within a year. In August 2024, 18-year-old freshman Noelia Gomez was struck and killed by a motorcyclist fleeing police. These incidents have intensified calls for improved pedestrian safety measures in the area.
The Newark Police Department's Traffic Unit is actively investigating the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.
