Pedestrian killed on Kirkwood Highway is identified

Police investigate fatal accident on Kirkwood Highway. (Photo: Delaware Free News)
Police investigate fatal accident on Kirkwood Highway. (Photo: Delaware Free News)

MILLTOWN, DELAWARE (6/10/2015) A pedestrian struck and killed by an SUV early today on Kirkwood Highway has been identified, Delaware State Police said.

The victim was Rodolfo Ramirez-Lopez, 49, of Newark.

The accident happened just after midnight in the area of Woodmill Drive.

The victim was northbound attempting to cross the westbound lanes when he was struck by a 2010 Mercedes M350.

The driver of the SUV, Lawrence D. Green, 64, of Newark, was not injured. He was wearing a seat belt.

Ramirez-Lopez was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Alcohol use by the pedestrian is being considered as a factor in the crash, police said. An autopsy is planned.

Police said the victim was not in a designated crosswalk.

Police said they are still investigating but no charges are expected.

The westbound lanes of the highway were closed about 2 hours.

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