Devon Hargraves, Larry Wilmer Death News – Authorities in Chester County have released the names of the three individuals who lost their lives after a vehicle involved in a police pursuit crashed early Friday morning. According to police, the men who passed away were 35-year-old Devon Hargraves, 33-year-old Gershad Andre, and 36-year-old Larry Wilmer, all of whom were residents of Wilmington, Delaware.
The incident began around 1:30 a.m., when Pennsylvania State Police troopers from the Avondale station attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of East 3rd Street and Garner Drive. Troopers reported that the driver committed several traffic violations, prompting them to conduct a traffic stop. When the driver allegedly refused to pull over, officers initiated a pursuit.
The chase continued for a short distance before the vehicle left the roadway and crashed along Route 41 in New Garden Township. Police say the collision caused significant damage to the car, which came to a stop against a tree. Despite the severity of the incident, state police confirmed that none of the troopers involved were hurt.
The crash was heard by several residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Many said the sound of the pursuit and the moment of impact woke them from sleep. Carl Coleman, a nearby resident, described witnessing the chase as it passed through his community. He shared that he was preparing to go to bed when he heard loud noises and sirens, prompting him to step outside. From his porch, he saw the fast-moving vehicle followed closely by police vehicles. In the moment, he said he instinctively began recording the scene on his phone.
Coleman said the experience was shocking, especially given the normally peaceful nature of the area. Avondale, he explained, is a quiet and close-knit community where such events are rare. He expressed hope that the incident serves as a reminder about the importance of following officers’ instructions during traffic stops, emphasizing that choosing to pull over could help prevent dangerous outcomes.
Other community members shared similar sentiments. Annie Taylor, who lives in New Garden Township, called the situation heartbreaking and expressed that the crash seemed like something that didn’t need to happen. She, like others in the neighborhood, said the event deeply unsettled residents who are not accustomed to such serious incidents.
Another resident, Cynthia Destafney of St. Rocco Parish, commented that the community rarely experiences occurrences like this, and the news has left many people feeling shaken. She noted that the tragedy has brought a sense of sadness throughout the area.
Taylor also expressed compassion for the trooper who initially attempted to conduct the traffic stop, pointing out that responding officers often witness difficult scenes in the line of duty. She acknowledged that such experiences can also weigh heavily on law enforcement personnel who aim to keep the community safe.
As of now, investigators continue to piece together the exact circumstances leading up to the pursuit and crash. Police have not released further information regarding what caused the driver to flee or any additional contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing.
Community members say they hope the tragedy encourages safer choices on the road and fosters greater awareness about the risks associated with fleeing from law enforcement. The loss of three lives has deeply affected the region, reminding residents of the importance of safety and cooperation during traffic encounters.
