Noelia Gomez Obituary, Death – Authorities have confirmed the identity of the University of Delaware student who was tragically struck and killed by a motorcycle on the first day of classes earlier this week. The individual has been identified as 18-year-old Noelia Gomez from Clark, New Jersey, according to a news release from Newark police.
Gomez lost her life when a motorcycle, evading an attempted police traffic stop, collided with several individuals on the UDel campus at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, as reported by Newark police.
A UDel officer attempted to halt the motorcyclist, who allegedly disregarded the officer’s signal and accelerated down Main Street, ultimately striking Gomez while she was in a crosswalk. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle, which continued to travel and subsequently hit four additional pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Gomez was recognized as a first-year student, having commenced her classes on the same day as the incident.
“Events of this nature are profoundly tragic. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the wider community, as we are all profoundly affected by the unexpected loss of one of our own. Our hearts are heavy today,” stated President Dennis Assanis and Vice President José-Luis Riera in a joint communication.
“In times like these, it is essential for us to unite, support one another, and approach each other with heightened kindness and empathy. Together, we are more resilient, and we must embody this principle in the days ahead. We are one Blue Hen community,” the message concluded.