Motorcyclist Charged in Death of University Freshman

An 18-year-old University of Delaware freshman, Noelia Gomez from New Jersey, was tragically killed by a speeding motorcyclist fleeing a traffic stop near campus. The incident occurred just before midnight on Tuesday when a University of Delaware officer attempted to stop the motorcycle, which then sped away, hitting Gomez in a crosswalk on West Main Street. The motorcyclist, Brain Briddle, continued onto the sidewalk, injuring four other pedestrians. Despite bystanders' efforts, Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, while Briddle and the other injured pedestrians were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Briddle has been charged with second-degree murder and other crimes. The university community is mourning the loss, with President Dennis Assanis offering condolences and emphasizing the availability of support services for students.