University of Delaware releases statement on student killed in crash

BEAR, Del. (WPVI) -- One person is dead and two others are in critical condition after a collision in Bear, Delaware.

The accident happened at approximately 1:17 a.m. Sunday on westbound Pulaski Highway (Route 40) approaching the intersection of Brookmont Drive.

Police say De'ayre J. Ewing-Wright, 22, of Bear, was traveling at a high rate of speed when his Nissan Pathfinder went through a red light and entered the intersection.

The front of the Pathfinder then struck the passenger side of a 2013 Nissan Altima, which was being driven by 18-year-old Alec Clark.

The front seat passenger of the Nissan Altima, Alexis DeFrancesco, 22, of Hartley, was transported by EMS to Christiana Hospital Trauma Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Police say DeFrancesco was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash but the surviving victims were not.

Clark and Ewing-Wright were transported to the hospital in critical condition.

DeFrancesco was a fashion merchandising major at The University of Delaware, scheduled to graduate at the end of the fall semester.

On Monday, Dean of Students Jos-Luis Riera released a statement on her death, which reads: "On behalf of the entire University of Delaware community, we extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. DeFrancesco's family and friends ... We are all truly saddened by this tragic accident."

The university is providing counseling services to those who need assistance.

Delaware State Police say De'ayre J. Ewing-Wright will face charges. Police sources say it will be up to the state attorney general on exactly what the formal charges will be.