LEWES, Del.- Delaware State Police have released the name of a 16-year-old girl who died in an ATV crash that happened Tuesday night in Lewes.
Troopers identified the victim as Margaret Browne, 16, of Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Police said that shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday, a John Deere Gator ATV was traveling northbound on a private asphalt driveway located off of Robinsonville Road. The operator attempted to negotiate a left curve at a high rate of speed, at which time the ATV began skidding and exited the east edge of the driveway. Troopers said that as the ATV slid off the roadway, it overturned, struck a tree and came to rest on its roof.
The John Deere Gator is a side-by-side ATV, equipped with two passenger seats with seatbelts and a rear utility bed. At this time, the seating positions of the five occupants riding on the ATV are unknown due to the investigation still active and ongoing. All occupants were ejected from the ATV as it overturned.
- Margaret Browne was pronounced deceased at the scene.
- A 16-year-old Delaware girl was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries. She is is stable condition.
- A 15-year-old Delaware girl was transported by helicopter to an area hospital with serious injuries. She also is in stable condition.
- A 16-year-old Delaware girl was transported by ambulance to an area hospital by where she was treated for minor injuries and released.
- A 17-year-old Delaware girl was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where she was treated for minor injuries and released.
Investigators noted that preliminary reports provided at the time of dispatch stated a deer was involved in the crash. The investigation has determined there were no deer or animals involved in the crash, police said.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Cape Henlopen School District, includes Lewes and the surrounding area, sent the following email to families in the district:
Good afternoon, Cape High School families. It is with an extremely heavy heart that this message has to be sent. Yesterday (April 6th), a sudden tragedy occurred within our community that involved several of our high school students. The Cape Henlopen School District, our staff, and students are deeply saddened over the loss of one of these students. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family members and friends of all of those involved. A sudden death can be a very upsetting experience, please monitor your child and support them as this can be a difficult time even if they were not close to our beloved student. If you or your child needs immediate support, please call or text 24/7 1-800-969-4357 (HELP) or Crisis Text Line: Text DE to 741741. These support lines can also be found on our school website and Schoology page. School counselors will be available to students for additional support following spring break.
The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit is still investigating the crash. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Cpl/1 A. Mitchell with the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-644-5020.
