It happened around 10:45 p.m. Friday at the 100th Quarter of Old Baltimore Pike in Newark.
New Castle County paramedics were called to the scene and found a 47-year-old motorcyclist on the roadway.
Doctors say he was thrown off the bike and suffered a head injury.
He was identified as Dr. Terence Newton, principal of Warner Elementary School in Wilmington.
Newton was assisted by paramedics and then taken to Christian Hospital, where he later died of his injuries, according to Red Clay Consolidated School District.
Action News featured Newton in the 2020 Localish report when he set up a barber shop inside the school for his students.
“In my eyes, all our students are leaders,” Newton said in the video. “It’s a time that allows me to train the best leaders, build their character and build relationships.”
Wilmington firefighters and police greeted the students when they arrived at Warner Elementary School Monday morning.
School officials say the crisis response team will continue to provide advice and support to students and staff.
The investigation into the disaster continues.
Dorel Green, headmaster of red clay schools, issued the following statement after Newton’s death:
“With great sadness I have to share that Dr. Terence Newton died tonight after injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Friday, March 18th.
Dr. Newton, or “Newt,” as many knew him, has been an inspiring leader who has served as principal of Warner Elementary School since July 2019. Prior to joining Warner Thunderbirds, he was assistant principal of HB DuPont High School. Dr. Newton was a true advocate for students and a true supporter of his staff. He was an innovative and dynamic school principal who put the whole child first. He designed systems not only for academics, but also included broader services that made Warner such a special place for students, staff, families and society at large. Newt’s high energy, contagious personality and passion for his school community were not equal.
As a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, a graduate of Delaware State University and a native of Wilmington, Dr. Newton has been a mainstay of the community and has worked closely with many organizations to support his students and their families. His enthusiasm for student success will have a lasting impact on Warner and the wider Red Clay community.
Warner will continue to provide crisis support to Red Clay for students who would like to talk to someone. Students can turn to their teachers or school counselors to access this support.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Newton family at this difficult time. Newt was much more than an educator and embodied the strength our children deserve. As a colleague and friend, his legacy will continue if we continue to build on the foundation he laid. ”
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