Laurel, DE (April 22, 2026) – A bicycle crash on Shiloh Church Rd in Laurel on Sunday, April 19, left one man dead after he was struck by a Ford Explorer traveling in the same direction. The incident was reported at approximately 9:10 p.m.
According to authorities, Jose Calvo Velasquez was riding his bicycle on Shiloh Church Rd, approaching Turkey Knob Rd, when the right front of the Explorer struck the bicycle. Velasquez was ejected from his bike as a result of the impact.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver of the Explorer, a 75-year-old man from Delmar, was not hurt. Shiloh Church Rd was closed for roughly three hours while emergency units processed and cleared the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Jose Calvo Velasquez.
Why Are Bicyclists at Higher Risk on Rural Delaware Roads at Night?
Riding a bicycle after dark on a rural road carries significant risk, particularly on two-lane roads without dedicated bike lanes or lighting. Visibility drops sharply at night, making it harder for drivers to spot cyclists ahead, especially when both are moving in the same direction. A bicycle’s rear profile is much smaller than that of another vehicle, which reduces how early a driver can detect it.
Same-direction crashes between vehicles and cyclists are especially dangerous because the cyclist typically has no warning before impact. Rural roads in Sussex County and across Delaware often lack shoulders or buffers that might give a rider room to move safely. Even at moderate speeds, the force of a larger vehicle striking a bicycle can be severe.
