LEWES, Del.- Delaware State Police have released the name of a motorcyclist killed in a Monday night crash on Route 1 in Lewes.
The victim has been identified as 28-year-old Michael James Johnson of Olney, Md.
Troopers said the accident occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. Monday, as 17-year-old Lindsay N. Hetrick of Milton was operating a 1998 Saturn SC1 coupe southbound on Route 1 in the left turn lane crossover, intending on traveling across the northbound lanes into the Bay Crossing Development.
Police said that meantime, a 2009 Suzuki motorcycle being operated by Johnson was traveling northbound on Route 1 in the left lane, approaching Bay Crossing Boulevard. Police said that after the stop, the Saturn entered the northbound lanes directly into the path of the motorcycle, which was unable to avoid the car. Troopers said that as a result, the motorcycle struck the right side of the Saturn. Authorities said that after the impact, Johnson and his brother, 34-year-old Jeffrey Johnson of Baltimore, who was a passenger, were ejected from the bike and thrown forward where they both landed in the northbound lanes of travel. The Saturn rotated in a counterclockwise direction before coming to stop in the exit lanes of the Bay Crossing Development.
Michael and Jeffrey Johnson, who were both wearing helmets, were removed from the scene by EMS and transported to Beebe Medical Center in Lewes where Michael succumbed to his injuries shortly after his arrival. Jeffrey was later flown to Christiana Hospital with serious injuries.
Police said Hetrick and her passenger, 29-year-old Michael Mather of Seaford, who were properly restrained, refused medical treatment at the scene of the crash.
The DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit is still investigating the crash. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact Master Cpl. Jay Burns at (302) 644-5020, ext. 112, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via www.tipsubmit.com. Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Northbound lanes of Coastal Highway in the area of the crash were closed for approximately 3-and-half hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.
