BEAR, DELAWARE (11/23/2014) A 22-year-old Hartly woman who was a University of Delaware senior died early today when the car she was a passenger in was struck by an SUV on U.S. 40 in Bear, state police said. The drivers of the SUV and the car are both in critical condition
The accident happened about 1:15 a.m. at Brookmont Drive.
Police identified the woman killed as Alexis A. DeFrancesco.
The university said she was a fashion merchandising major and was to graduate at the end of the fall semester.
The driver of the car she was in, a 2013 Nissan Altima, was identified as Alec E. Clark, 18, of Wilmington.
Police have not released the name of the driver of the SUV, a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder.
The SUV was westbound in the left lane of U.S. 40 (Pulaski Highway), traveling at high speed, and failed to stop for a red light at Brookmont Drive, police said.
The Pathfinder struck the side of the Altima, which was making a left turn from eastbound U.S. 40 into Brookmont Drive.
Both vehicles came to rest on the north side of the highway just west of Brookmont Drive.
DeFrancesco was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, police said.
Clark also was taken to Christiana.
Police said DeFranceso was wearing a seat belt but Clark was not.
The male driver of the Pathfinder, who police said has not yet been positively identified, also was taken to Christiana by ambulance. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
Police said they are continuing the investigation and charges are expected.
Westbound U.S. 40 was closed about four hours as police investigated and the wreckage was cleared.
“On behalf of the entire University of Delaware community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. DeFrancesco’s family and friends,” said José-Luis Riera, dean of students at UD, in a statement on the university’s website. “We are all truly saddened by this tragic accident.”
UD students needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141.
Staff in the Office of the Dean of Students also is available to meet with any student . Call 302-831-8939 to schedule an appointment or stop at 101 Hullihen Hall.