Bradford Pearce Obituary, Death – Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly head-on collision in Dover that left one man dead and two others injured over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that the crash took place Saturday, September 20, around 3:30 p.m. on Dyke Branch Road, just west of Wheel of Fortune Road.
According to investigators, the accident involved a Honda Accord and a Volvo S40. Troopers said the Honda Accord, which was traveling eastbound, unexpectedly crossed over into the westbound lane. At the same time, a Volvo S40, driven by a 16-year-old from Dover, was heading west. The teen driver, seeing the Honda entering his lane, attempted to swerve left into the eastbound lane to avoid impact. Unfortunately, the Honda also shifted back into the eastbound lane at that moment, placing both vehicles directly in each other’s path. The resulting collision was severe.
The driver of the Honda Accord, a 70-year-old Dover man, sustained critical injuries. Troopers noted that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of his injuries. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite lifesaving efforts, he was later pronounced dead. Authorities identified the victim on Monday as Bradford Pearce, 70, of Dover.
The Volvo’s 16-year-old driver, who had been properly restrained with a seatbelt, was fortunate to escape with only minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital, treated, and later released. His passenger, a 45-year-old woman from Dover, also wearing a seatbelt, was more seriously hurt. She was hospitalized with injuries that police described as not life-threatening, and she is expected to recover.
The crash scene required an extended response from law enforcement. Dyke Branch Road remained closed for approximately three and a half hours as troopers from the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit carefully examined the site. Investigators worked to collect evidence, document the positions of the vehicles, and piece together the chain of events that led to the tragic outcome.
As with all fatal crashes, police are conducting a thorough review to determine the cause. It has not yet been disclosed whether factors such as speed, distraction, or medical issues may have played a role in why the Honda Accord crossed into the opposite lane. Authorities stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
In the meantime, Delaware State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact Sgt. J. Wilson at (302) 698-8518. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 847-3333.
The tragic loss of Bradford Pearce has shaken the Dover community. At 70 years old, Pearce’s life was cut short in a sudden and violent way, underscoring the dangers of roadway accidents and the importance of road safety. Troopers also noted the contrast between the outcomes of the crash victims: while the unrestrained driver of the Honda lost his life, the properly belted occupants of the Volvo survived with far less severe injuries. Police used the case to once again remind the public about the life-saving benefits of wearing seatbelts on every trip, no matter the distance.
As the community processes the loss and two survivors continue their recovery, investigators will continue working to ensure they understand exactly what led to the collision. For now, the focus remains on supporting the families involved, preventing future tragedies, and encouraging drivers to stay cautious and alert on Delaware’s roadways.
