University of Delaware student killed by motorcycle fleeing traffic stop; 4 others injured: officials

NEWARK, Del. - Tragedy has struck the University of Delaware community just one day after classes began for the fall semester.

Police say an 18-year-old girl was struck and killed by a speeding motorcycle while crossing Main Street just before midnight Tuesday.

The motorcyclist was fleeing a traffic stop attempted by UDel officers just one minute before the deadly crash, according to police.

University officials confirmed to FOX 29 that a first-year undergraduate student was killed in the crash. Police later identified the student as Noelia Gomez from Clark, New Jersey.

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Following the crash, the motorcyclist got off the bike, which continued onto the sidewalk, striking four more pedestrians.

All four victims were transported to a local hospital, three with minor injuries and one with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have yet to say if the four injured pedestrians were also students.

Police say the motorcyclist was also treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital, and has yet to be charged.

"The police officer did not pursue the motorcycle, he turned off his lights," said Lt. Andrew Rubin with the Newark Police Department. "This was a tragic, avoidable crash, had this person not been fleeing from police officers."

Senior Laura Santangelo says she was outside shortly after the crash.

"We saw a bunch of cops out here, and multiple people crowded around, and there were shoes sitting on the side of the road," she said. "I can’t even imagine what her family’s going through, like, you just sent your child off to college, and you’re hoping they’re safe. She’s just trying to cross the street, and it wasn’t even her fault."

Tuesday marked the first day of classes for students, and many freshmen moved onto campus over the weekend, including Tahmeer Archy.

He says the tragedy hits too close to home.

"It’s just crazy how everything, you just graduated high school, about to go onto the next chapter, and it’s just taken away, just like in a snap."

The university sent out the following letter with a message from President Assanis and Vice President Riera:

"Dear UD community,

Late last night, a first-year University of Delaware student died in a traffic accident near campus, which was witnessed by many of her friends and classmates. Incidents such as this are unimaginably tragic. We cannot express enough how sorry we are for the family, friends, and greater community as we are all so deeply shaken by the sudden loss of one of our own. Our hearts are very heavy today. We know that many students, parents and others in our community join us in expressing grief and grave concern. At this time, we are not releasing the student’s name out of respect for the family’s privacy. Especially in a moment like this, we must all come together, to lean on each other, and to do so with extra kindness and empathy. Together, we are stronger, and we must live this truth in the coming days. We are one Blue Hen community.As a new academic year begins, we want to remind returning members of our community and inform all new Blue Hens of the services available here at UD. More information about support resources appears at the bottom of this email. Additionally, safety is our paramount concern at UD, so we encourage you to make yourself familiar with the services offered by University of Delaware Police and other units. Please know that the University is here for you. Thank you for being such a caring and supportive community."

The university is also providing resources and support via Student Life. 

The school says Student Life staff are in contact with the Newark Police Department Victim Services to ensure connection to community support and UD resources for student witnesses.

An investigation is still underway.