BOWERS BEACH, DELAWARE (12/5/2014) A 17-year-old girl struck by a pickup truck on Wednesday died today, state police report.
The victim was identified as Brittney Ford of Bowers Beach. She was member of the Bowers Beach Volunteer Fire Company, which plans a full firefighter’s funeral next week.
The accident happened about 5:05 p.m. on Bowers Beach Road just west of Bayview Road, outside the town of Bowers Beach.
Ford was standing on the north side of the road as Shane T. Allaband, 19, of Dover, was driving a 1997 Ford F-250 westbound on the shoulder, preparing to turn right into a driveway. For unknown reasons, police said, Ford jumped into the roadway in front of the truck.
Allaband attempted to swerve left to avoid a collision but the truck’s right front bumper struck the girl, throwing her into the center of the road.
Ford was first taken by ambulance to Kent General Hospital in Dover and then to Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Rockland, where she died today.
Allaband and his two passengers — a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl — were not injured.
Police are still investigating but said speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the accident.
The fire company announced a viewing would be held at the fire hall Friday, Dec. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 13, viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with services at 11. Final interment will follow at Barratt’s Chapel.
“If you knew her you would know that her goal in life was to save lives as she was on the career path to become a firefighter/emt and make a difference,” the fire company posted on its website. “She will make a difference in death as she did in life by donating her organs. Brittney will be able to save multiple lives with this donation and in doing so her memory will live on through others. Our lives were truly blessed by this beautiful young lady and we will be forever changed because of her.”