James Matthews Obituary, Death: 72-Year-Old Dies in Delaware Crash at Rocky Run Parkway and Concord Pike – A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded Saturday afternoon in Delaware, leaving one man dead and a community shaken after a violent two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Rocky Run Parkway and Concord Pike, according to Delaware State Police.
The fatal collision happened at approximately 2:20 p.m. on April 18, 2026. Troopers said a gray Toyota Prius was traveling eastbound in the left-turn lane of Rocky Run Parkway when it entered the intersection on a green arrow, attempting to turn north onto Concord Pike. At the same moment, a white Ford Taurus was traveling southbound on Concord Pike and allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic signal.
Authorities said the front of the Ford Taurus slammed into the left side of the Toyota Prius with devastating force. The impact left both vehicles heavily damaged and scattered debris across the roadway, turning the busy intersection into a scene of chaos, sirens, and heartbreak.
The driver of the Toyota, 72-year-old James Matthews of Newark, was critically injured in the crash. Emergency crews rushed him to a nearby hospital as doctors fought desperately to save his life. Tragically, despite medical efforts, Matthews later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Delaware State Police stated that his name is being withheld until proper family notification is completed.
The driver of the Ford Taurus was identified as 35-year-old Michelle Palazzolo of Wilmington. She was also transported to a hospital with injuries that were described as not life-threatening. Investigators said Palazzolo showed signs of impairment at the crash scene, leading troopers to conduct a deeper investigation into the events that caused the deadly wreck.
Following the investigation, Palazzolo was charged with second-degree vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to have required insurance, and failure to stop at a red light.
She was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 11 and later committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after bond was set at $10,250 secured.
Concord Pike remained shut down for approximately three and a half hours as investigators documented evidence, examined the crash site, and cleared the wreckage.
This tragic crash has left loved ones grieving the sudden loss of James Matthews, a life taken far too soon in a moment of alleged reckless driving. The sorrow left behind is immeasurable, as family and friends now face an unimaginable void and painful days ahead.
