14-year-old boy struck, killed on U.S. 13

Pedestrian bridge crosses U.S. 13 north of Route 141. (Photo: Google maps)
Pedestrian bridge crosses U.S. 13 north of Route 141. (Photo: Google maps)

NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (4/27/2016) A 14-year-old boy was killed when he stepped into traffic and was struck by a car on U.S. 13 near New Castle this afternoon, authorities said.

Tyler Spahn, a student at George Read Middle School, died shortly before 3 p.m. as he and three other teenagers were attempting to cross the northbound lanes of U.S. 13 (North DuPont Highway) near Route 141 (Basin Road).

Delaware State Police said Spahn was struck in the left lane by a 1999 Toyota Camry driven by Jamia A. Dorsey, 21, of Wilmington. Spahn was hit by the right corner of the car and vaulted into the windshield, then thrown to the pavement in the right lane.

Spahn was taken by ambulance to Christiana Hospital in Stanton, where he was pronounced dead.

The other three teens were able to safely cross the highway, police said.

Police said the teens were not in a crosswalk and were about a quarter-mile south of a pedestrian footbridge that crosses the highway.

Dorsey, who was wearing a seat belt, was able to bring her car to a stop and wasn’t injured, police said.

Police said the crash is still under investigation but no charges will be filed.

The northbound lanes of the highway were closed while police investigated.

Colonial School District officials said counselors will be available at the school on Thursday to help students cope.