Dover Woman Arrested for Vehicular Homicide in New Castle

NEW CASTLE, Del. – The Delaware State Police (DSP) have arrested a woman from Dover for vehicular homicide and other traffic-related charges following a fatal crash that took place early Saturday morning.

At 1:00 a.m. on Nov. 15, a Kenworth tractor trailer was traveling south in the left middle lane of North DuPont Highway, approaching Christiana Road. Simultaneously, a Lexus ES 350 approached the tractor trailer from the rear. A preliminary investigation revealed that the Lexus failed to slow down, and collided with the left rear of the Kenworth’s trailer. As a result, the Lexus spun, slid over a raised concrete median, and collided with a traffic sign.

The driver of the Kenworth, a 32-year-old man from Delaware City, was not injured.

The passenger of the Lexus, a 36-year-old woman from New Castle, was ejected during the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified.

The driver of the Lexus, identified as 36-year-old Ashley Wright, was taken to an area hospital by ambulance for non-life-threatening injuries. Wright showed signs of impairment at the time of the crash. Once she as released from the hospital, Wright was arrested and taken to Troop 2 on charges of second degree vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and related traffic offenses. She was arraigned and released after posting $10,102 cash bond.

DSP Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate this crash. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302)365-8483. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.