DSP News Release: Milford Man Dies in Motorcycle Crash
Location:
◦SR 1 Coastal Highway S/B at SR 30 Wilkins Road S/O Milford, DE
DATE and TIME:
◦Tuesday July 26, 2011 9:27 p.m.
Operator(s) and Vehicle Information:
◦Mark E. Coverdale-38 Milford, De
◦1995 Kawasaki Z7L motorcycle
◦Stephanie G. McDonough-68 Milford, De
◦2008 Lexus ES350
Victim(s):
◦Mark E. Coverdale-38 Milford, De
Resume:
Milford-Tuesday July 26, 2011 Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit investigated a fatal crash at the intersection of SR 1 southbound and SR 30 approximately ¼ mile S/O Milford Delaware.
The crash occurred around 9:27 p.m. and involved a 1995 Kawasaki Z7L motorcycle and a 2008 Lexus ES350 passenger vehicle. The motorcycle was driven by Mark E. Coverdale-38 of Milford, who was traveling southbound on SR 1 Coastal Highway.
The Lexus was driven by Stephanie G. McDonough-68, also of Milford who was facing westbound in the crossover between the north and southbound lanes of SR 1 attempting to proceed onto Wilkins Road SR 30.
The intersection is controlled by a flashing red light and posted stop signs for east and westbound traffic. The north and southbound traffic at the intersection have the right-of-way with a flashing yellow light.
The Lexus pulled westbound across the southbound lanes of SR 1 in front of the motorcycle, resulting in the motorcycle striking the right rear of the Lexus. As a result of the collision Coverdale was ejected from his motorcycle.
Coverdale was pronounced deceased at the scene from injures sustained in the crash. Coverdale was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
McDonough along with her 8 year old granddaughter were transported to Milford Memorial Hospital by ambulance. McDonough was treated and released for unspecified injuries. The 8 year old passenger was eventually flown to A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital in serious however stable condition. The 8 year old passenger was properly restrained in a booster seat.
A preliminary Delaware State Police crash investigation suggests that speed to have been a factor in the collision on the part of the motorcyclist. Alcohol involvement is currently unknown for the motorcyclist and is not a factor in regards to McDonough. Delaware State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing to investigate the crash and ask anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact investigators at 302-644-5020 attn: CRU investigators.
