Jeanette Johnson Obituary, Death – An elderly Maryland woman who tragically lost her life after being struck by a pickup truck in a Newark, Delaware shopping center parking lot has been publicly identified by local police. The victim, 89-year-old Jeanette Johnson of North East, Maryland, died from injuries sustained in the crash, which occurred the morning of May 14.
According to the Newark Police Department, Johnson had been walking across the Newark Shopping Center parking lot around 9:30 a.m., heading in the direction of the storefronts. At that time, she was hit by a pickup truck that was driving through the lot. The exact circumstances of the collision, including the speed and path of the vehicle, are still under investigation.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after the incident occurred and immediately began providing medical assistance to Johnson. She was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, where medical personnel attempted to stabilize her. Despite their efforts, Johnson succumbed to her injuries later that night.
Authorities confirmed her identity the following day and released her name in coordination with her family. Johnson was remembered as a longtime resident of North East, Maryland, a small town located in Cecil County, not far from the Delaware state line.
At this time, the driver of the pickup truck involved in the collision has not been charged. Law enforcement officials indicated that the incident remains under active review by both the Newark Police Department and the Delaware Attorney General’s Office. This suggests that investigators are continuing to gather evidence and assess whether any criminal charges may be appropriate based on the findings.
Police have not yet released the name or any identifying details of the driver, nor have they confirmed whether speed, distraction, or other factors may have played a role in the crash. Such details are typically examined during a full reconstruction of the incident, which is often conducted by traffic or accident investigators in cases involving fatalities.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who might have relevant information—such as dash cam footage or surveillance video from nearby businesses—to come forward. Officer Robert Vernon of the Newark Police Department is leading the investigation and can be contacted directly via phone or email. Investigators hope that additional input from the public could help clarify the circumstances leading up to the tragic accident.
As the investigation continues, the local community has been left saddened by the loss of Johnson, who, according to those who knew her, was an active and kind-hearted woman. Neighbors in North East, Maryland, described her as a friendly presence who enjoyed walking and remained independent well into her later years.
The incident has also reignited concerns about pedestrian safety in busy commercial areas. Parking lots, while often overlooked in public discussions about traffic safety, are common sites for accidents, particularly involving elderly pedestrians who may have limited mobility or slower reaction times. Safety advocates emphasize the need for cautious driving in such areas and suggest that additional signage, speed bumps, or other measures may help reduce risks.
Johnson’s death is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities pedestrians face, even in what might seem like relatively low-speed environments. While vehicles in parking lots typically travel more slowly than those on open roads, the lack of clear pedestrian pathways and the frequent movement of vehicles backing in and out of spaces can create hazardous conditions.
As the Delaware Attorney General’s Office conducts its independent review, it will likely consider factors such as visibility, the driver’s attentiveness, and any potential violations of traffic laws or pedestrian right-of-way rules. It remains unclear how long the review process will take or when a decision regarding possible charges may be made public.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s family is mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced. Friends and neighbors have shared condolences and expressed hope that the ongoing investigation will provide the family with some clarity and, eventually, a sense of closure.
City officials and police have also expressed sympathy. In a statement, Newark Police reaffirmed their commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation and extended their condolences to Johnson’s loved ones.
For now, the case remains an open investigation, and officials continue to seek assistance from the community. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident or who has information relevant to the case is strongly encouraged to reach out to Cpl. Robert Vernon by phone at (302) 366-7100, extension 3452, or via email at rvernon@newark.de.us.
As the city of Newark reflects on this tragedy, safety remains top of mind for many, with renewed calls to protect pedestrians—especially seniors—in shared public spaces like shopping centers.