Stranded Driver Falls to His Death

A man died after his car broke down this morning along a busy area highway.

Delaware State Police say Dekeevis Johnson, 26, accidentally fell to his death from the Roth Bridge along Route 1 in Middletown, Del.

Johnson's vehicle became disabled in the southbound lanes of the span that crosses the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal. He called a tow truck and a friend to come pick him up, according to Delaware State Police.

Johnson’s friend grabbed him and exited the roadway to turn around in the northbound direction. As they drove north the duo spotted the tow truck across the six-lane roadway.

Investigators say Johnson’s friend stopped so he could get out of the vehicle.

While trying to cross from the northbound to southbound side of the bridge, Johnson fell in between the bridge spans and fell to the ground below.

Johnson, who is from Wilmington, was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is planned for Tuesday, according to police.

The Delaware Department of Transportation closed the bridge in both directions for about three hours as they investigated.

The Roth Bridge, which opened in 1994, is recognized for its yellow steel cables over top a pre-cast concrete base that spans about 4,600 feet.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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