A tragic incident occurred near the University of Delaware campus, where a speeding motorcyclist was charged with second-degree murder for fatally striking a freshman student on her first day of class. Noelia Gomez, an 18-year-old student from Clark, NJ, was walking with friends when Brian Briddle, 27, crashed into her while fleeing from a traffic stop.
The collision took place at a high rate of speed just one minute after a police officer attempted to pull Briddle over for several traffic offenses. Briddle lost control of his motorcycle during the crash, injuring four other pedestrians in addition to Gomez, who tragically lost her life at the scene.
Briddle, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was later taken into custody at his home and charged with second-degree murder, along with possession of a deadly weapon while committing a felony. The details of the weapon he possessed were not immediately disclosed.
Gomez, who had just completed her first college class earlier that day, was in a crosswalk when the fatal accident occurred. The university community, as well as law enforcement officials, expressed deep sadness and outrage over the incident.
Newark Police Sgt. Jay Conover expressed his sympathy, mentioning the unimaginable pain that Gomez’s family must be experiencing. University officials also released a statement conveying their sorrow and offering support to the family, friends, and community affected by the tragedy.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, as authorities work to determine the circumstances that led to this devastating loss. The campus community mourns the loss of Noelia Gomez and continues to support one another during this difficult time.
