Two Dead After Jeep, Motorcycle Collide Near Harrington

Two people are dead following a serious accident involving a motorcycle near Harrington on Saturday afternoon.

Delaware State Police say the incident happened around 12:07 p.m. on Hopkins Cemetery Road (CR 289) west of South DuPont Highway (Route 13) north of Harrington. Troopers say a 2015 Jeep Wrangler traveling westbound on Hopkins Cemetery Road turned into a driveway directly into the path of a 2015 Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was heading eastbound on Hopkins Cemetery Road toward Route 13. The motorcyclist attempted to apply his brakes but was unable to avoid collision. The motorcycle collided with the right side of the Jeep near the passenger side door, ejecting the motorcyclist and his passenger.

The two were not wearing helmets and were transported to Bayhealth Hospital’s Kent Campus where they succumbed to their injuries. They have been identified as 57-year-old Kenneth Dear and 56-year-old Karen Dear, both of Harrington. Speed does not appear to be a factor on behalf of the motorcycle, according to investigators.

The driver and passenger of the Jeep were transported to Bayhealth Hospital’s Kent Campus for minor injuries. Both were treated and released. Investigators say impairment does not appear to be a factor in this crash.

The roadway in the area of the crash was shutdown for approximately five hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared.