SMYRNA – Delaware State Police have identified the victim of a fatal crash on U.S. 13 this morning as Evelyn M. Whitley, 46, of Smyrna.

According to police, the incident occurred around 1:05 this morning Michael E. Whitley, 46 of Smyrna, was operating a 2005 GMC Savana box truck southbound on U.S. 13. He was in the left lane preparing to make a left turn in the turn lane south of Holly Hill Drive.  As the truck was slowing in the turn lane, Ms. Whitley (wife of Michael) reportedly jumped from the passenger’s side door.

Once outside of the truck, Ms. Whitley fell to the pavement and, according to police, was struck by the right rear dual wheels before her husband could bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.  She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation, including determining why Ms. Whitley jumped from the truck.

Southbound U.S. 13 was closed for about four hours while the crash was investigated and cleared.