Marina Vasconcelos dies in fatal Newark, Delaware crash

Marina Vasconcelos dies in fatal Newark, Delaware crash

Fatal Newark, Delaware crash death of Marina Vasconcelos – Obituary

Marina Vasconcelos, a 24-year-old graduate student from North East, Maryland, was tragically killed after being struck by a speeding U-Haul van near the University of Delaware earlier this week.

The crash occurred Tuesday at the intersection of Main and Haines streets in Newark. Authorities say the driver of the U-Haul, 22-year-old Gordon Turner of New Castle, Delaware, is now facing a second-degree murder charge for her death.

A second 24-year-old graduate student was also hit during the incident and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

Police had discovered the unreturned U-Haul earlier on the 200 block of East Main Street. The van, overdue since March 18, was reentered by Turner and a passenger around 4:34 p.m. As officers attempted to approach, Turner allegedly drove over a curb, struck a police vehicle, and fled at high speed down East Main Street.

Though no pursuit was initiated, Turner reportedly lost control of the vehicle, striking the two graduate students, then colliding with several parked vehicles. One of those parked cars had four people inside, and another had one. A chain reaction caused by the crashes led to a third pedestrian being hurt after being hit by a vehicle forced by the impact.

Video footage captured the U-Haul racing down the street moments before the deadly crash.

Following Turner’s arrest, police discovered he was wanted in multiple states, including Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Authorities also found a handgun in the van and designer marijuana at the scene. Turner remains in custody on a $305,500 cash bond, and more charges could follow as the investigation develops.

Newark Police are asking anyone with relevant information to contact Cpl. Jon Lee at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3462 or jlee@newark.de.us. Videos can also be submitted through the police department’s tip submission page.