A University of Delaware student, age 18, was fatally hit by a motorcyclist who was evading a police traffic stop on the first day of the academic year. The incident took place at about 11:50 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, causing a wave of mourning across the Newark, Delaware campus.

Noelia Gomez, a native of Clark, New Jersey, was identified as the deceased student. She was crossing a campus intersection with a group of friends when she was hit by a motorcycle driven by 27-year-old Brian Briddle of Newark, Delaware. Briddle had reportedly escaped a traffic stop initiated by a University of Delaware police officer.

The Newark Police Department revealed that the officer had tried to stop Briddle due to a traffic violation. However, Briddle accelerated down Main Street, leading to the officer switching off his lights and discontinuing the pursuit, in line with department policy. Shortly after, Briddle collided with Gomez at the crosswalk, which resulted in him being thrown off the moving motorcycle which then hit four other pedestrians.

Gomez was declared dead at the scene, while the other four pedestrians sustained injuries but are expected to make a full recovery. Briddle was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Two days later, on August 29, Briddle was arrested at his Newark home. He has been charged with second-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, failure to obey a police officer’s signal, operating a specific type of vehicle without the required license, driving an unregistered vehicle, and not stopping at a red light.

The University of Delaware community is reeling from the incident. Haya Hasan, a freshman at the University, said that the incident has become a focal point of discussions, with a general sense of deep sadness prevailing. Hasan added that the incident should not have happened and those responsible should be held accountable.

Kyley Wolff, another freshman, expressed her heartfelt sympathies for the family and wished she could provide some form of support and aid.

University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera issued a joint statement expressing their profound sadness. They urged the campus community to come together in support, acknowledging the unimaginable tragedy that has impacted the family, friends, and broader community. They stressed the importance of kindness, empathy, and unity, reminding everyone that they are part of one Blue Hen (mascot) community.

A memorial service to honor Gomez has been planned by the university, and counseling services are being provided to those affected by the tragedy.