On June 20, 2026, at approximately 1:10 a.m., two teenage pedestrians were tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle on Dupont Parkway near Denny Lynn Drive in Townsend, Delaware. The victims, both 17-year-olds from Townsend, were pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident occurred when Nizaiah Ellis, a 23-year-old man from Newfield, New Jersey, was driving southbound on Dupont Parkway and struck the pedestrians who were walking an electric bike in or near the left lane. After hitting them, Ellis initially stopped but then fled the scene of the accident. Delaware State Police later intercepted his Nissan Altima traveling southbound on Dupont Parkway near Paddock Road in Smyrna.
Troopers observed damage to the vehicle consistent with a collision and took Ellis into custody without incident at Troop 9. He was charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in death, as well as failure to report a collision resulting in death. Ellis is currently being held on a $12,050 secured bond.
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues its investigation into this tragic event and urges anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video footage to contact Corporal K. Oakes at (302) 365-8483. Information can also be provided via private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers.
Victims' families are being notified and supported through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, which offers assistance for those affected by crime or sudden loss of a loved one. The unit's hotline number is 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461), with email support available at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
The roadway was closed for approximately four hours to allow thorough investigation and clearance of the scene.