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Update: Woman, 57, succumbs to injuries from Dewey balcony collapse

May 31, 2021

One woman died June 1 as a result of injuries sustained when a balcony she and another woman were standing on in Dewey Beach collapsed May 31.

About 4:50 p.m., May 31, Dewey Beach police were called to 4 Read Ave. for reports of a collapsed balcony and injuries, Sgt. Cliff Dempsey said. When officers arrived, they discovered the third-floor balcony had detached and two women, ages 47 and 57, of South Webster, Ohio, had fallen about 10 feet to the balcony below, Dempsey said. Officers secured the partially detached floor, and the women were removed from the residence by Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company personnel, Dempsey said. He added that both women were taken to Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, and their initial status was reported as stable.

Both women were later transported to Christiana Care. The 47-year-old woman suffered multiple fractures and was admitted to the medical center, according to Dempsey. The condition of the 57-year-old woman deteriorated throughout the night and she succumbed to her injuries about 7 a.m., June 1, Dempsey said. He said the investigation is ongoing and Dewey Beach Police Department is working closely with town officials and other outside agencies.

Assisting agencies include Dewey Beach Patrol, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Sussex County EMS, Delaware State Police and Delaware Division of Forensic Science, Dempsey said.

Note: Updated 5:45 p.m., June 1 with new information.

 

 

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