Melvin Pitt dies in fatal Newark, Delaware car crash

Melvin Pitt dies in fatal Newark, Delaware car crash
Fatal Newark, Delaware car crash death of Melvin Pitt – Obituary

Delaware State Police are examining the circumstances surrounding a three-vehicle collision in Newark that claimed the life of 85-year-old Melvin Pitt of New Castle, Delaware.

The crash happened on Friday, January 16, 2026, at around 5:30 p.m. along eastbound Pulaski Highway, just west of David Place. Investigators reported that a Kia Sportage was stopped in the left lane behind a Subaru Outback when a Hyundai Kona traveling in the same direction approached from behind and failed to slow down.

Authorities said the Hyundai struck the rear of the Kia, pushing it forward into the Subaru. Melvin Pitt, who was driving the Hyundai, suffered critical injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Police later confirmed that Pitt died on Saturday, January 17, 2026, due to injuries sustained in the crash.

An 83-year-old woman riding as a passenger in the Hyundai, a resident of Newark, was also transported to a local hospital. Her injuries were described as non-life-threatening. The drivers and passengers inside the Kia and Subaru were not injured and declined medical treatment at the scene.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation to determine the full sequence of events that led to the crash. Further details may be released as the investigation progresses.