Delaware police investigate another pedestrian fatality

Police in Delaware are investigating a New Castle car crash that killed a pedestrian Monday night.

The Delaware State Police say Michael A. Thomas, Jr., 26, of Wilmington, was struck before 9 p.m. on Monday while he was trying to cross the westbound lanes of Pulaski Highway near Wilton Boulevard in New Castle.

The incident comes just days after Gov. Jack Markell, D-Delaware, announced an executive order to create an Advisory Council on Walkability and Pedestrian Awareness to make recommendations of how to address pedestrian safety issues in the state.

Last week the Governor’s office reported there had been 26 pedestrian deaths so far in 2015.

According to another pedestrian safety report by Smart Growth America, Delaware had more pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people than the national average between 2003 and 2010.

Thomas was hit by the front of a 2004 Chevrolet Impala, which was being operated by Joshua Wheatley, 23, of Newark.

Thomas was thrown onto the hood, windshield and roof of the Impala, and then to the ground when the vehicle came to a stop, according to police.

Police say Thomas was not utilizing a designated crosswalk and was dressed in dark clothing.

Thomas was transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, and later died at the hospital.

Police are investigating if alcohol use on the part of Thomas was a factor in the incident.

Wheatley stayed at the scene of the crash. Alcohol on the part of Wheatley is not being considered as a cause of the crash. Charges are not expected to be filed, and he did not sustain any injuries.

Pulaski Highway between US Rt. 13 and Wilton Boulevard was closed for about two hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.