Crash claims life of Hartly woman

HARTLY, Del. – Police say a crash Wednesday evening claimed the life of a Hartly woman.

At around 5:15 p.m., police say a white 2002 Toyota Corolla was stopped at a stop sign facing north on Brittney Lane at the intersection with Halltown Road. At the same time, a white 2019 Dodge Ram was reportedly traveling eastbound on Halltown Road, approaching the intersection at Brittney Lane. For unknown reasons, the driver of the Toyota proceeded onto Halltown Road and into the path of the oncoming Dodge, causing a collision.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as 67-year-old Catherine Samardza, was properly restrained at the time of the crash. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police say notification has been made to next of kin.

The passenger of the Toyota, a 74-year-old Dover woman, was taken to an area hospital via ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the Dodge, a 36-year-old Dover man, was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries.