Townsend, DE (June 22, 2026) – Two 17-year-old Townsend teens were killed early Saturday morning, June 20, after being struck while walking an e-bike on southbound Rte 13 in Delaware.
The boy and girl were walking the e-bike in or near the left lane when they were struck. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Nizaiah Ellis of Newfield, New Jersey, initially stopped at the scene before fleeing. He was stopped and arrested a short time later.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the crash.
We extend our deepest condolences to both families during this unimaginable loss.
Can a Family Sue After a Fatal Hit-and-Run in Delaware?
Yes, a family can file a civil wrongful death claim under Delaware law following a fatal hit-and-run. When a loved one dies as a result of another party’s negligent or reckless behavior, eligible surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation through a wrongful death action.
In cases involving a hit-and-run, the driver’s actions after the collision can become an important part of the overall analysis. A driver who flees the scene of a fatal crash, even after initially stopping, may face conduct that is relevant not only to any criminal proceedings but also to a civil claim. Leaving the scene can be viewed as evidence of a heightened level of negligence or recklessness, which may influence how the case is evaluated.
As the legal process moves forward, the findings of any official investigation often play a central role in establishing exactly what occurred. Investigators may examine factors such as vehicle speed, visibility conditions, roadway evidence, and the sequence of events leading up to the collision. These findings can help clarify disputed facts and provide critical information about how and why the crash happened.
This evidence can be especially important in cases involving pedestrians or individuals near the roadway, where questions about visibility, reaction time, and a driver’s ability to avoid the collision are often key issues. As additional findings become available, a wrongful death attorney may be able to help families understand how that information could strengthen their claim and support allegations of negligence.
Beyond establishing liability, families must also consider the financial and personal losses resulting from their loved one’s death. Delaware wrongful death claims may allow recovery for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of companionship, guidance, and support, as well as the loss of future income and financial contributions the deceased may have provided.
Because every family’s loss is unique, navigating a wrongful death claim can be both legally and emotionally challenging. For that reason, an attorney may be able to help monitor the ongoing investigation, gather relevant evidence, explain the legal process, and work to ensure that any resolution reached reflects the full impact of the loss on the surviving family members.
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. 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.
