Update: Second Victim Succumbs to Injuries from July 7th Vehicle Collision on POW-MIA Parkway

UPDATE (August 7th, 2021):

On July 7th, the Dover Police Department responded to a fatal motor vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of the POW-MIA Parkway and Wyoming Mill Spur (see original release below).  On August 4th, Donna Chappell succumbed to her injuries while hospitalized at UPenn Hospital.  Chappell was the passenger in the Honda Odyssey and the spouse of Richard Chappell who also succumbed to injuries from the collision.  

The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.

Incident Number: 50-21-19726

Date/Time:  Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at 5:06 p.m.

Location: Intersection of POW-MIA Parkway and Wyoming Mill Spur, Dover, DE

Contact:   Dover Police Department Public Information Office
Sergeant Mark Hoffman   Email: Mark.Hoffman@cj.state.de.us

Narrative:

The Dover Police Department is investigating a three vehicle collision that resulted in the death of an 88-year-old man.  On Wednesday, July 7th at approximately 5:06 p.m., a 2002 Honda Odyssey operated by Richard Chappell (88), of Camden, was traveling south on POW-MIA Parkway as he approached the Wyoming Mill Spur.  At the same time, a 2017 Infinity QX80 was traveling north on POW-MIA Parkway, approaching the same intersection.  A 2004 Nissan Maxima was facing eastbound on the Wyoming Mill Spur, preparing to turn left onto the northbound side of the POW-MIA Parkway.  The operator of the Nissan Maxima entered the intersection, directly in the path of the Honda Odyssey, causing the Odyssey’s front end to strike the front driver’s side of the Maxima.  The impact caused both vehicles to travel in a southeast direction and partially into the path of the Infinity that was traveling northbound, striking the driver side of the Infinity.  

Chappell, who was properly restrained, succumbed to his injuries after he was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital.  An 86-year-old passenger in the Honda Odyssey was transported to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital for major injuries and later airlifted to UPenn Hospital in Philadelphia, where she remains in serious condition.  The 20-year-old female driver and two passengers (ages 15 and 17) of the Nissan Maxima were treated and released from Kent General Hospital with minor injuries.  The 48-year old male driver of the Infinity refused medical treatment.  

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.