Bethel, DE (June 17, 2025) – Delaware State Police have launched a fatal hit-and-run investigation following the death of a 78-year-old pedestrian in Bethel. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, June 15, but the victim’s body was not discovered until the following morning.
Troopers were dispatched at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Monday, June 16, to the 8000 block of Bethel Rd. There, they located the deceased woman lying near the roadside, west of O’Neal’s Rd. Investigators believe she was struck around 8:51 p.m. the previous evening.
According to the preliminary investigation, the pedestrian had entered the eastbound lane of Bethel Rd from the north side when an unidentified vehicle, also traveling eastbound, struck her. The driver did not stop to render aid and continued on without notifying authorities.
The victim, a 78-year-old woman from Seaford, DE, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released her name, pending notification of her family. The roadway remained closed for roughly five hours while investigators collected evidence and reconstructed the incident.
State Police continue to search for the driver involved and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the woman whose life was tragically cut short.
Fatal Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs in Delaware
Incidents like the one on Bethel Rd are among the most heartbreaking and frustrating types of traffic fatalities. Pedestrian hit-and-runs not only rob victims of a chance at survival but also deny families the closure and justice they deserve. In this case, the victim was struck in a rural area during evening hours—a setting that often combines low lighting, sparse traffic, and limited visibility.
Senior pedestrians, such as the 78-year-old Seaford woman, are especially vulnerable to serious or fatal injury in collisions. The absence of sidewalks, reflective gear, or roadway lighting can further compound the dangers. However, fleeing the scene of a crash is a criminal act, regardless of the circumstances, and Delaware law enforcement treats such cases with high priority.
The community of Bethel is now left grieving a preventable loss, and investigators are working diligently to track down the vehicle and driver responsible. Tips from nearby residents, vehicle part evidence, and surveillance footage from surrounding properties may prove vital in solving the case.
At Local Accident Reports, we believe every victim deserves accountability, and every family deserves answers. If your loved one was the victim of a hit-and-run or fatal pedestrian crash, we’re here to support you with access to legal guidance, investigative help, and emotional resources. Contact us today to take meaningful steps toward justice and healing.
