Wilmington, DE (April 20, 2026) – A deadly crash was reported on Saturday afternoon, April 18, at the intersection of Rocky Run Pkwy and Concord Pike in Wilmington. Investigators say a 35-year-old woman, identified as Michelle Palazzolo, allegedly ran a red light and struck a Toyota Prius.
The Prius was driven by a 72-year-old man from Newark. He was taken to a hospital after the collision, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities have not yet released his name.
Officials reported that Palazzolo showed signs of impairment at the scene. She was later taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a red light. Additional charges were filed related to insurance and alcohol use.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they are provided.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
How Impairment Can Affect Driving and Lead to Serious Crashes
Driving while impaired can affect reaction time, coordination, and decision-making. Even small amounts of alcohol or other substances may reduce a driver’s ability to judge distance or respond to traffic signals. This can increase the risk of running red lights or failing to notice other vehicles.
Intersections are especially risky areas when impairment is involved. Drivers must process multiple signals, watch for cross traffic, and react quickly to changing lights. When judgment is affected, these tasks become harder to manage safely.
Crashes linked to impairment often involve higher impact speeds or delayed braking. These factors can lead to more severe outcomes, particularly for older drivers or those in smaller vehicles.
