Tragic Accident Claims Life of University of Delaware Student on First Day of Classes

Newark, Delaware - In a devastating incident on the first day of classes, an 18-year-old University of Delaware student was struck and killed by a motorcycle fleeing an attempted police traffic stop. The student has been identified as Noelia Gomez from Clark, New Jersey, according to the Newark police.

The accident occurred around 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday when a UDel officer tried to stop the motorcycle rider, who ignored the officer's commands and sped down Main Street. In an attempt to evade the pursuing officer, the motorcyclist struck Gomez as she was crossing the road in a designated crosswalk. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Eyewitnesses and fellow students at the university expressed shock and grief over the tragic incident. Haya Hasan, a freshman at the University of Delaware, described it as a "horrific accident" and mentioned that the campus community has been deeply affected by the untimely loss.

Newark Police Lieutenant Andrew Rubin provided some insight into the events leading up to the accident. He stated that the police officer turned off the lights and did not continue to pursue the motorcycle after the initial attempted stop. However, within a minute, the motorcyclist reached a high rate of speed and collided with Gomez in the crosswalk.

Not only did Gomez lose her life, but the motorcycle continued moving even after the rider was thrown from it, subsequently striking four other pedestrians on the sidewalk. The injured pedestrians were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Gomez had just started her first year as a student at the University of Delaware, making the tragic incident even more heartbreaking for her friends, family, and the wider campus community. In a joint statement, President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera expressed their deepest condolences and acknowledged the profound impact of the loss.

While the motorcycle rider has not yet been charged with any offenses, the case remains under investigation. Law enforcement authorities are actively interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the accident.

As the investigation continues, students and the public are grappling with the tragedy and calling for accountability. Haya Hasan emphasized the importance of holding the person responsible for the accident accountable, echoing the sentiments of many who believe justice should be served.

The University of Delaware community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time, relying on kindness and empathy to heal collectively. The loss of a young student has shaken everyone, reminding them of the fragility of life and the need for solidarity in the face of tragedy.