Authorities have confirmed the tragic death of an 18-year-old University of Delaware student who was hit by a motorcyclist evading a police traffic stop. The fatal accident happened on the first day of classes around 11:50 p.m., on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, plunging the Newark, Delaware campus into sorrow.
The victim has been identified as Noelia Gomez from Clark, New Jersey. She was crossing a campus crosswalk with friends when she was hit by the motorcycle driven by 27-year-old Brian Briddle of Newark, Delaware. Briddle had previously fled from a traffic stop initiated by a University of Delaware police officer.
As per the Newark Police Department, Briddle was initially flagged down due to a traffic violation. Instead of stopping, Briddle accelerated down Main Street, prompting the officer to turn off his lights and refrain from pursuit, in accordance with department policy. Shortly after, Briddle hit Gomez in the crosswalk, causing him to be thrown from his motorcycle. The uncontrolled bike continued moving and hit four other pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Unfortunately, Gomez was declared dead at the accident scene. The four other victims sustained injuries but are expected to recover. Briddle, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Briddle was arrested at his Newark, Delaware residence on Thursday, August 29. He is facing multiple charges including second-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, failing to obey a police officer’s signal, operating a specific type of vehicle without the required license, using an unregistered vehicle, and not stopping at a red light.
The incident has deeply impacted the University of Delaware community. Haya Hasan, a freshman at the University, shared that the event has been a significant conversation topic on campus, with most expressing immense sorrow. Hasan added that it should never have happened and called for accountability.
Kyley Wolff, another first-year student, voiced deep empathy for the grieving family, expressing a wish to offer them support.
University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera released a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. They called on the campus community to come together in support. They acknowledged the devastating tragedy, extending their sympathy to the victim’s family, friends, and the wider community. They emphasized the need for unity, empathy, and community strength in the following days, reminding everyone that they are one Blue Hen (school mascot) community.
The university has planned a memorial service in honor of Gomez and has made counseling services available for the students and staff affected by the incident.
