MILLSBORO, Del. — The Delaware State Police are investigating a heartbreaking two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 76-year-old Peter Roskowski, a longtime Millsboro resident, on Friday afternoon, November 7, 2025. The fatal collision occurred on Route 24, marking the second deadly accident reported in Sussex County that day, and leaving the local community once again shaken by tragedy.
According to preliminary reports from Delaware State Police Troop 7, the crash happened shortly after 2:15 p.m. on John J. Williams Highway (Route 24) near the intersection with Oak Orchard Road. Investigators say Roskowski was driving a 2008 Toyota Corolla eastbound when, for reasons still under investigation, another vehicle — a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado traveling westbound — attempted to turn left into a private driveway and crossed directly into the path of Roskowski’s car.
The impact was severe. Both vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage, and emergency personnel from the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company, Sussex County EMS, and Delaware State Police quickly responded to the scene. Despite the best efforts of first responders, Peter Roskowski was pronounced dead at the scene due to the extent of his injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 58-year-old Millsboro man, was transported to Beebe Healthcare with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.
Authorities closed a section of Route 24 for more than three hours as the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit documented the scene, gathered evidence, and interviewed witnesses. Preliminary findings suggest that failure to yield while turning may have been a contributing factor. Investigators do not believe impairment or excessive speed played a role, but the official cause remains under review.
The loss of Peter Roskowski has cast a shadow over the quiet Millsboro community, where he was known as a kind neighbor and a devoted family man. Friends and relatives describe him as a gentle soul who always greeted others with a smile and lent a helping hand whenever someone was in need.
“Peter was the heart of our neighborhood,” one friend shared. “He loved spending time outdoors, working in his garden, and talking with everyone who passed by. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him out there.”
The tragic accident was the second fatal crash in Sussex County on November 7, following an earlier multi-vehicle collision in Lewes that claimed the lives of Charlene and Albert Broccolo of Maryland. The two incidents, happening within hours of each other, have prompted renewed concerns about driver safety and roadway conditions in the region — particularly along high-traffic corridors such as Route 24 and Coastal Highway.
Delaware State Police officials used the opportunity to remind motorists to remain alert and exercise caution, especially when making turns or entering intersections. “Even a moment of inattention can have irreversible consequences,” said a DSP spokesperson. “We urge all drivers to slow down, yield when required, and always double-check before crossing lanes.”
As the investigation continues, community members are rallying around the Roskowski family, offering prayers, condolences, and support. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced in the coming days as loved ones honor the life of a man remembered for his warmth, integrity, and generosity.
For now, the Millsboro community mourns deeply — reflecting on a life well lived and tragically lost, and a day that brought sorrow to Sussex County twice over.
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