By Crash News Writer 
New Castle, DE (August 17, 2026) – A 54-year-old woman was killed in a motorcycle crash involving a Mazda 6 near U.S. Route 13 and Schafer Boulevard in New Castle on August 15. Police said the collision occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m.
According to the Delaware State Police, the woman was riding northbound in the right lane of U.S. Route 13 as she approached Schafer Boulevard. At the same time, 42-year-old Samuel Larkin of New Castle was reportedly driving a Mazda 6 westbound on Schafer Boulevard.
Police allege Larkin failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the woman’s motorcycle. Authorities said Larkin displayed signs of impairment at the scene and failed field sobriety tests. The motorcyclist was killed in the crash, and authorities had not publicly identified her at the time of the initial report.
Larkin was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign. The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
U.S. Route 13 and Schafer Boulevard were closed for approximately three hours while investigators processed the scene. The roadway later reopened. Delaware State Police continue to investigate the fatal collision.
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Following a fatal crash, families may face difficult legal, financial, and insurance issues while authorities conduct their investigation. Preserving evidence can be important when determining what happened and whether a wrongful death or other civil claim may be available. Police documentation, photographs, witness statements, medical records, insurance correspondence, and a car accident report may all become relevant.
Understanding car accident laws in Delaware can help families learn about insurance requirements, filing deadlines, and potential legal options after a fatal collision. Someone searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near New Castle should consider keeping copies of all records associated with the crash and avoiding unnecessary delays in obtaining legal guidance.
An attorney can examine the circumstances of a fatal motorcycle collision, review investigative materials, communicate with insurers, and help determine whether additional evidence should be preserved. Families researching a car accident near me or a car accident near New Castle may also need assistance obtaining a car accident report and understanding how Delaware law applies to their situation. Acting promptly can be important because legal claims are generally subject to deadlines.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary information released through public reporting and law enforcement sources. Facts may be updated as the investigation proceeds. Readers seeking general information after a collision can review frequently asked questions in Delaware.
- The identity of the 54-year-old woman had not been publicly released in the initial report.
- Criminal charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
- Additional investigative findings, toxicology information, or court developments may be released by authorities as the case proceeds.
Families and injured people seeking further information can review accident resources in Delaware.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports available at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know has been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.
Families affected by a fatal crash should consider calling an attorney as soon as possible to discuss their rights and available options. A Delaware personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances and explain potential next steps.