UPDATED: Pedestrian Struck & Killed South of Dewey Identified

UPDATED – 5/26  10:15am – The pedestrian who was struck and killed early Friday morning south of Dewey Beach has been identified as 22-year-old Peter Rudnicki of Bethesda.  The investigation continues but Delaware State Police say Rudnicki walked into the path of a car traveling in the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway near Keybox Road.  The car, which was driven by a 56-year-old Lewes man, could not avoid the collision and struck Rudnicki, who was not in a marked crosswalk or carrying a light.  He was pronounced dead at the scene – police say alcohol appears to be a factor for Rudnicki.  The driver was properly restrained and not injured.

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UPDATED – 7:10am –  A Maryland man is dead after a crash early this morning on Coastal Highway at Keybox Road south of Dewey Beach.  Delaware State Police say a 56 year old Lewes man was northbound on Coastal Highway just after 12:30 when a pedestrian walked into the northbound lane into the path of the car.  The driver was not able to avoid a collision and struck the pedestrian.  Police say the roadway was dark and the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk or carrying a light at the time of the collision.  He was pronounced dead at the scene and alcohol appears to be a factor for the pedestrian.  The driver was properly restrained and not injured.

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The holiday weekend got off to a tragic start after a pedestrian was struck and killed on the northbound lanes of Coastal Highway near Keybox Road, midway between the Indian River Inlet and Dewey Beach.  The accident was reported around 12:50 a.m. Friday.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.  The northbound lanes were closed for several hours for investigation.  The driver of a striking vehicle remained on the scene.

Moments before this accident, a police officer in Dewey Beach was flagged down by a passing motorist who stated that a pedestrian was walking in the middle of Coastal Highway.