Delaware State Police                                 Sergeant Joshua A. Bushweller

Public Information Office                                                                                   

www.dsp.delaware.gov

Fatal Crash on Coastal Highway

Released Saturday, July 28, 2007

Dewey Beach – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a crash that claimed a 44-year-old Maryland Man’s life. Troopers were called to the scene of a bicyclist struck by a vehicle located on Coastal Hwy (USRT1) approximately 1 mile north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge at 7:43 a.m.

The investigation revealed John G. Griffith, 44 of Timonium, Maryland was riding his bicycle southbound on the shoulder of Coastal Hwy. The chain apparently broke on his bicycle causing him to stop along the Westside of the southbound shoulder to repair it.

A 2002 Pontiac Grand Am operated by Barry Boulden, 18 of Millsboro was traveling southbound in the left lane approaching Mr. Griffith. Investigators advised Mr. Boulden fell asleep while driving and drifted onto the shoulder and struck Mr. Griffith with the front of his vehicle.

After impact, the Pontiac swerved to the left and crossed southbound lanes, the center grass median and both northbound lanes coming to rest in a grassy area east of Coastal Hwy.

Mr. Griffith was pronounced dead at the scene. Due to the crash motorists experienced intermittent delays. The roadway has been reopened. Alcohol use is unknown at this time. Mr. Boulden was wearing his seatbelt.

The investigation is ongoing.

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