Douglas Bachtell, Veronika McCoy Obituary, Death – Delaware State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that took place Tuesday morning, July 8, on Lighthouse Road in Selbyville. The collision resulted in the deaths of two people and left a third person critically injured.
According to investigators, the crash occurred at approximately 7:54 a.m. near the intersection of Lighthouse Road and New Road. A Chevrolet Camaro was traveling eastbound when, for unknown reasons, it crossed over the double-yellow center line and entered the westbound lane. This led to a head-on collision with a Hyundai Santa Fe coming from the opposite direction.
The impact caused major damage to both vehicles.
The driver of the Camaro, identified as 22-year-old Veronika McCoy of Berlin, Maryland, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save her, she later died from her injuries.
Inside the Hyundai Santa Fe were two men. The front-seat passenger, 77-year-old Douglas Bachtell of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 74-year-old man from Selbyville, Delaware, sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. His current condition has not been publicly updated.
In response to the crash, authorities closed Lighthouse Road for several hours to allow for a thorough investigation. The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit was dispatched to examine the crash site and gather evidence. Crews also worked to remove the wreckage and restore safe driving conditions in the area.
The investigation into what caused the Camaro to cross the center line is ongoing. Police have not released any information about possible contributing factors, such as distracted driving, speed, or impairment.
Officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has relevant information to come forward. Master Corporal K. Argo is the point of contact for the case and can be reached at (302) 703-3264. Additionally, tips can be sent via private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.
The tragic crash has left two families mourning and a community in shock. Both victims were from out of town, and the news of their deaths has prompted an outpouring of sympathy.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws, and exercise caution, especially on rural or two-lane highways like Lighthouse Road, where lane discipline is critical to avoiding head-on collisions.
As the investigation continues, further details may be released regarding the circumstances of the crash, including toxicology results and findings from vehicle data recorders. In the meantime, police remain focused on determining exactly what led to this tragic event.
