UPDATE: Motorcyclist identified in fatal Ocean City crash

Police have identified a motorcyclist who died in a crash in Ocean City, on Thursday.

Ocean City Police say they are continuing their investigation into a fatal crash involving a motorcyclist, and a pick-up truck, that happened around 12:10 PM at 28th Street and Philadelphia Avenue. Police say the motorcycle driver, Eric Del Marr, 24, of Germantown, Maryland, was traveling at a high rate of speed in the area, when he collided with a pickup truck driven by a 19-year-old male of North Beach, Maryland.

Authorities say a Maryland Transportation Authority officer attempted to stop the motorcycle, after seeing Del Marr do a “wheelie” at a high rate of speed. The MDTA Officer reportedly witnessed the wheelie near 45th Street and Coastal Highway, just minutes before the crash. Police say Del Marr then made a U-turn on Coastal Highway at 56th Street, traveling southbound, while fleeing from the officer. Investigators say it was at that time, that the Officer did not pursue the vehicle, and lost sight of the driver.

According to the report, other Police units say Del Marr as he made his way south, and reported his location over police radio, and determined that he rode south on Coastal Highway until 33rd Street, where he turned west then eventually reentered Coastal Highway south, at 32nd Street. Police say Del Marr then made a U-turn at 23rd Street, and traveled northbound at a high rate of speed.

Around 12:08 PM is when Police say, Del Marr collided with a Ford F-350 pickup truck that was attempting to turn east onto 28th Street. He was reportedly dead when First Responders arrived. The driver of the truck was not injured.

Ocean City’s Traffic Safety Unit, Patrol Division and Criminal Investigation Division say they are continuing to investigate the collision, and it will likely take weeks to complete. Further updates will reportedly be provided pending completion of the investigation. Ocean City police are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Pfc. Ryan Flanagan at rflanagan@oceancitymd.gov or 410-520-5340.

Ocean City Police Chief, Ross Buzzuro, released the following statement on the Department’s Facebook page, Friday: “Yesterday, Ocean City experienced a catastrophic tragedy that was avoidable and will most certainly be remembered by those who witnessed for a long time to come. As we go into a busy weekend and a busy summer season, I ask that you PLEASE put safety first. Remember to Walk Smart, use crosswalks and cross with the signal. Remember to Drive Smart by paying close attention to the road, don’t drive distracted and follow the speed limit and rules of the road. We want you to have an enjoyable experience in Ocean City but above all we want you to be safe.”