NEWARK, DE – The University of Delaware and surrounding communities are mourning the tragic and untimely loss of 24-year-old Marina Vasconcelos, a brilliant and compassionate doctoral student whose life was cut short in a devastating crash on East Main Street on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.
Authorities have confirmed that Vasconcelos, a resident of North East, Maryland, was killed after a U-Haul van driven by 22-year-old Gordon Turner lost control during an attempted police pursuit and struck her. Turner has since been charged with second-degree murder. According to public records, Turner previously pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession in Cecil County in 2024. A bench warrant had been issued for him in February, although the circumstances behind that warrant remain unclear.
For those who knew Marina, the news of her death is not just a public tragedy but a deeply personal heartbreak. She was a third-year doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware, where she was pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry with a concentration in biochemistry. Her research was already making meaningful strides in the field of medical science — particularly in her work to develop novel therapeutics for Crohn’s disease. In a February profile by the university, Marina spoke of her efforts to repurpose an Alzheimer’s medication for potential application in treating the chronic and painful digestive condition.
“Marina was doing incredible, potentially life-changing work,” said José-Luis Riera, vice president for student life at UD. “We’ve lost an incredibly bright individual who had already begun making an impact, and we’re heartbroken not just for Marina but for her peers, some of whom were also injured in this horrific incident.”
Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Marina attended high school in Camp Hill before earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from York College of Pennsylvania. Her academic excellence and natural curiosity led her to the University of Delaware, where she quickly became known not only for her intellect but for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to scientific discovery.
Classmates and professors describe Marina as thoughtful, tenacious, and generous — the kind of person who not only excelled in the lab but inspired others to do the same. Her peers looked up to her as a mentor and friend, often seeking her advice on both scientific challenges and personal matters. She balanced the rigor of doctoral research with grace, always willing to lend her time and energy to help others.
Beyond her academic brilliance, Marina was a passionate advocate for health equity and accessibility in science. She envisioned a future where her work could directly improve the lives of patients suffering from chronic illnesses. That future, tragically, was stolen.
University officials have assured the student body that counseling and support services are available for those affected by this tragedy. In the coming days, the university is expected to hold a memorial in Marina’s honor, and her family will announce further arrangements as they grieve the loss of their beloved daughter, sister, and friend.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the suspect’s background continue, the community is left grappling with a sense of injustice and sorrow. Marina’s life was filled with promise, and her legacy — both in the field of science and in the hearts of those who loved her — will not be forgotten.
In the face of this senseless loss, may we remember Marina for all she was: a gifted scholar, a loyal friend, a loving family member, and a young woman who dedicated her life to helping others. Her impact, though cut tragically short, will continue to resonate in the world of science and beyond.
Rest in peace, Marina Vasconcelos. Your light continues to shine in the lives you touched and the knowledge you sought to give to the world.
EARLIER: New Castle Man Arrested After Fatal Crash in Newark; One Dead, Another Critically Injured.
Newark, Del. (April 29, 2025) — A high-speed crash involving a stolen U-Haul van left one pedestrian dead and another seriously injured Tuesday afternoon in Newark, prompting the arrest of a 22-year-old New Castle man.
According to the Newark Police Department, the incident began around 3:49 p.m. when officers located an unoccupied U-Haul van in a shopping center on the 200 block of East Main Street. The vehicle had been reported as an “unauthorized use” and was overdue for return since March 18.
At approximately 4:34 p.m., Gordon Turner and an unidentified passenger returned to the vehicle. As officers approached to make an arrest, Turner jumped into the driver’s seat and fled the scene, striking a police vehicle and driving over a curb to escape onto East Main Street at high speed.
Police say they did not pursue Turner as he sped westbound. Moments later, near Haines Street, Turner lost control of the van and struck two pedestrians walking on the north side of the street. The van then continued on, colliding with multiple parked vehicles — one of which contained four occupants — before finally coming to a stop near Center Street in front of the Newark Post Office.
The force of the crash triggered a chain reaction, causing a parked vehicle to strike a third pedestrian.
Emergency crews from Newark Police, Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, University of Delaware Emergency Care Unit, Christiana Fire Company, and New Castle County Paramedics rushed to the scene following a flood of 911 calls.
One of the pedestrians, a 24-year-old graduate student at the University of Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities are withholding her identity pending family notification. A second pedestrian, also a 24-year-old graduate student, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital. She remains in stable condition.
Turner was also hospitalized briefly before being taken into police custody. The passenger, who has not been charged at this time, was detained and brought to Newark Police Headquarters for questioning.
East Main Street remained closed for roughly five hours while investigators from the Newark Police Department’s Traffic Unit processed the scene, with assistance from University of Delaware Police, Fire Police, and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT).
Charges against Turner are expected to be announced as the investigation continues. Newark Police are urging any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward.