Weekend Crash Near Ellendale Kills Two Milford Men

Delaware State Police are investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash that killed two men Saturday night.

On June 17, 2023, at approximately 10:43 p.m., a Ford Ranger was traveling at an apparent high rate of speed in the left lane of South Dupont Boulevard, south of Fleatown Road. For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the left side of the road and strike a highway sign in the grassy median. The driver guided the vehicle back to the right side of the road but oversteered, causing the vehicle to re-enter the grassy median and overturn. As the vehicle continued overturning, both occupants were ejected. The vehicle eventually stopped in the left lane of North Dupont Highway.

The driver, 30-year-old man Joseph McIlvain, was not properly seat belted. He was transported to an area hospital, where he died. The passenger, 29-year-old Shane Pennell, was also not properly seat belted and was pronounced dead on the scene. Both men were residents of Milford, Delaware.

North and South Dupont Boulevard, from Hudson Pond Road to Milton Ellendale Highway, was temporarily shut down for approximately 2.5 hours to investigate the crash and remove any obstructions from the roadway.

The Delaware State Police Troop 4 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues investigating this incident. Troopers are asking anyone who witnessed this crash to contact Senior Corporal J. Smith by calling (302) 703-3267. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Source: Delaware State Police Newsroom