Delaware school principal, 10-year-old daughter killed in accident

FREDERICA, Del. - April 14, 2014

The fatal crash occurred around 10:40 p.m. Friday at Barratts Chapel Road in Frederica.

Police say 42-year-old Tricia Martin, principal of Milford Central Academy, and her 10-year-old daughter Taryn were traveling in a 2009 Acura MDX when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed over the eastbound lanes, drove along a ditch line, and collided with a telephone box and fence.

The vehicle then struck an embankment causing it to overturn on its side and return back to the roadway.

According to authorities, Taryn Martin was able to exit the vehicle and attempted to ask for help from a passing motorist who had stopped nearby, as her mother remained in the Acura.

At that time, a 2005 GMC Yukon driven by 49-year-old Richard Triola was traveling on Barratts Chapel Road approaching the collision scene.

Police say the Yukon struck the Acura and pushed it into the ditch off the south side of the roadway where it rotated back right side up.

Authorities say Tricia Martin was ejected from her vehicle and thrown onto the roadway.

Taryn Martin, who was standing outside of the vehicle in the roadway, was struck by one of the vehicles and thrown onto the south side of the roadway and into the grass.

The GMC came to a controlled stop after the collision.

Tricia Martin was flown to Christiana Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Taryn Martin was initially transported to Kent General Hospital before being transferred to A. I. DuPont Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Richard Triola was taken to Kent General Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The Milford School District is offering grief counselors Monday for students and staff.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Barratts Chapel Road east of McGuiness Pond Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

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Photo courtesy of Delawareonline.com

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