Millville, DE (June 12, 2026) – A 52-year-old cyclist was struck and killed in a suspected drunk driving hit-and-run on Atlantic Avenue in Millville on Tuesday, June 9. As a result, a Maryland woman now faces felony charges in connection with his death.
According to Delaware State Police, Duane Pershing, of Ocean View, Delaware, was riding in the bike lane on Atlantic Avenue east of Whites Neck Road when a Subaru Forester left the eastbound lane and hit him.
After striking Pershing, the driver fled the scene. The Subaru was located a short time later, disabled in a nearby bank parking lot on Atlantic Avenue. When troopers made contact with the driver, 46-year-old Kara Gilmore of Ocean City, Maryland, she showed multiple signs of impairment. She was arrested for DUI following field sobriety testing.
Pershing was airlifted to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died the following day, Wednesday, June 10.
Gilmore was charged with Vehicular Assault in the First Degree, Leaving the Scene of a Collision Resulting in Injury, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, and related traffic offenses. She was arraigned and released on a $3,404 unsecured bond.
The investigation into the crash remains active.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Duane Pershing.
What Legal Options Does a Family Have After a Fatal DUI Crash in Millville, DE?
A criminal case and a civil claim are two separate things, and families often don’t realize that one does not replace the other. A wrongful death claim filed in civil court is the avenue through which a family can seek financial accountability for their loss. In Delaware, surviving family members may be able to pursue damages for funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship, and other related losses stemming from the crash.
Delaware law gives the personal representative of the deceased’s estate the right to file a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases in the state is generally two years from the date of death, which means the window for taking legal action is already open.
Atlantic Avenue in the Millville and Ocean View area carries heavy seasonal traffic, particularly during summer months when the population of Sussex County swells with visitors to the nearby beaches. DUI crashes along coastal Delaware roads have caused serious harm in recent years, and the legal framework exists specifically to hold negligent drivers financially accountable for that harm.
Working with a wrongful death lawyer gives a family a dedicated advocate whose sole focus is securing the best possible outcome in the civil case. A lawyer can gather evidence independently and negotiate with insurance carriers who will otherwise work to minimize what they pay out. In a case involving a DUI driver who fled the scene, the documentation trail can be substantial, and having an attorney manage that process from early on makes a meaningful difference in how the claim develops.
At Murphy & Landon, we have handled serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Delaware. We can walk you through what a civil claim may look like and what compensation may be available under Delaware law.
Call Murphy & Landon at (302) 472-8100 to speak with someone on the team about your situation.
Note: Our law firm utilizes secondary sources to create this post. The facts surrounding this specific accident have not been independently verified. Contact Murphy & Landon if you locate any information that is inaccurate or incorrect. We will update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. This is not a solicitation for business. If you have been injured in an accident, get medical attention as soon as possible. The photo used in this post was not taken at this accident scene.
