An 18-year-old University of Delaware student was struck and killed by a motorcyclist fleeing a police traffic stop on the first day of classes, authorities confirmed. The accident, which occurred around 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, has left the Newark, Delaware campus in mourning.
The student, identified as Noelia Gomez of Clark, New Jersey, was crossing a campus crosswalk with friends when a motorcycle driven by 27-year-old Brian Briddle of Newark struck her. Briddle reportedly fled a traffic stop initiated by a University of Delaware police officer.
According to the Newark Police Department, the officer had attempted to stop Briddle for a traffic violation, but Briddle sped away down Main Street. The officer deactivated his lights and did not pursue the motorcycle, following department protocol. Moments later, Briddle collided with Gomez in the crosswalk, and the impact threw him off the bike, which continued to move and struck four other pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene. The other four individuals sustained injuries but are expected to recover. Briddle was transported to a hospital with an injury that was not life-threatening.
On Thursday, August 29, Briddle was arrested at his residence in Newark, Delaware. He faces charges of second-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony, failing to obey a police officer’s signal, driving a specific type of vehicle without the necessary license, operating an unregistered vehicle, and not stopping at a red light.
The University of Delaware community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Haya Hasan, a freshman at the University of Delaware, mentioned that the incident has been a major topic of discussion among everyone, with most feeling profound sadness about the tragedy. Hasan shared that it should never have occurred and believes that those responsible should be held accountable.
Kyley Wolff, another first-year student, expressed deep sympathy for the family and wished there was a way to offer them support and assistance.
In a joint statement, University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera conveyed their deep sorrow and called on the campus to unite in support. They spoke about the unimaginable tragedy of the situation, expressing their sympathy for the family, friends, and broader community, who are all deeply affected by the sudden loss of a community member. They stressed the importance of coming together, offering kindness and empathy, and reinforcing the strength of the community in the days ahead, reminding everyone that they are united as one Blue Hen (school mascot) community.
The university has announced plans for a memorial service to honor Gomez, and counseling services have been made available to students and staff affected by the incident.