NEWARK, Del. — The community of Newark is reeling from the heartbreaking loss of 75-year-old Jack Gantz, a beloved longtime resident, who was killed in a devastating two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon, August 22, 2025. The collision, which unfolded in broad daylight on Bear Christiana Road, has left friends, neighbors, and loved ones grappling with grief as authorities work tirelessly to uncover the events that led to this tragedy.
The Delaware State Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:23 p.m., where a maroon Chevrolet Trax, driven by Gantz, was involved in a catastrophic collision with a black BMW 335. According to the preliminary investigation, Gantz was navigating a left turn from the northbound left turn lane at the intersection of Bear Christiana Road and Freedom Road. At the same moment, the BMW, traveling southbound at a high rate of speed, was reportedly racing another unidentified vehicle. As Gantz initiated his turn, the BMW slammed into the front right side of his Chevrolet, the impact so severe that it claimed his life. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Gantz succumbed to his injuries, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
The driver of the BMW, a 25-year-old man from Elkton, Maryland, was uninjured in the crash. Authorities have not released his identity, and no charges have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing. The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit is meticulously piecing together the sequence of events, combing through evidence to determine the precise factors that contributed to the fatal collision. Was it speed, a moment of distraction, or a combination of circumstances that led to this tragedy? These are the questions investigators are working to answer.
In a heartfelt plea for assistance, Delaware State Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. Sergeant J. Jefferson, leading the investigation, can be reached at (302) 365-8484. For those who prefer anonymity, tips can be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333. Even the smallest detail could prove pivotal in bringing clarity to this devastating incident.
As the community mourns, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, also known as the Delaware Victim Center, stands ready to offer solace and support. Available 24/7, the unit provides emotional support, crisis counseling, and guidance to those affected by this tragedy. They can be reached at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or via email at [email protected], offering a lifeline to those navigating the pain of sudden loss.
Jack Gantz was more than a name in a news report; he was a cherished member of the Newark community, known for his warmth and connection to those around him. As friends and neighbors gather to honor his memory, the Delaware State Police have issued a somber reminder of the importance of safe driving. Speed, distraction, and driver error remain leading causes of catastrophic collisions, and this tragedy underscores the need for vigilance behind the wheel.
The investigation into the crash continues, with authorities promising updates as new details emerge. For now, Newark holds its collective breath, mourning a life lost too soon and hoping for answers that might prevent such a heartbreak in the future.