Newark, DE – A tragic accident at the University of Delaware claimed the life of an 18-year-old student on the first day of the academic year, casting a pall over the campus community. The student, Noelia Gomez of Clark, New Jersey, was fatally struck by a motorcycle whose driver was attempting to evade police following a traffic stop.
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly when Brian Briddle, 27, of Newark, Delaware, accelerated away from a University of Delaware police officer who had pulled him over for a traffic violation. Despite the officer discontinuing the pursuit to adhere to safety protocols, Briddle raced down Main Street where he collided with Gomez at a busy campus crosswalk.
The impact not only resulted in Gomez’s instant death but also sent Briddle hurtling from his motorcycle, which subsequently struck four other pedestrians. These individuals sustained injuries but are expected to make full recoveries. Briddle himself was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the incident, Newark police apprehended Briddle at his residence on August 29. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder and possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, among other traffic-related offenses.
The tragedy has deeply affected the university students and faculty alike. Freshman Haya Hasan mentioned that the incident has been heavily discussed among the students, stirring a strong emotional response and calls for accountability. Hasan insisted that such events should never happen, emphasizing the need for justice and preventative measures to ensure campus safety.
Fellow student Kyley Wolff expressed her deep condolences, noting the community’s desire to support the bereaved family through this challenging time. In a demonstration of solidarity, University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera released a joint statement expressing their profound sorrow and calling for unity. They emphasized that the university is a single community, symbolically represented by their school mascot, the Blue Hen, and encouraged everyone to support each other with kindness and empathy.
To further honor Gomez’s memory and support the grieving community, the university has scheduled a memorial service and is providing counseling services to students and staff.
This incident also raises broader discussions about campus safety and the protocols in place during police pursuits to ensure the safety of innocent bystanders. As the campus mourns, there is a collective reflection on how to enhance security measures and what can be done to prevent such tragedies in the future.