UPDATE: DSP investigates motor vehicle crash

Members of the Delaware State Police are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash which occurred early Thursday afternoon north of Milford.

Investigators say the crash happened around 12:25 P.M., when Julianna Melia, 70, of Felton, was operating a 2004 Toyota Avalon westbound on Rothermel Road approaching the intersection with Canterbury Road. 

Troopers say a tractor trailer, operated by Jeffery Dawson, 49 of Townsend, was traveling northbound on Canterbury road approaching the intersection of Rothermel road. According to police, Melia continued through the stop sign on Rothermel Road attempting to make a left turn onto Canterbury Road, when she entered the path of the truck which swerved left and struck the driver’s side of the Avalon.

Troopers say Melia, who was properly restrained, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police say Dawson properly restrained and was removed from the scene by EMS and transported to the Milford Memorial Hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released.

Troopers say Canterbury Road in the area of Rothermel Road was for closed approximately three hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.