Milton man dies in Route 9 crash near Harbeson

A Milton man died April 8 after driving off Route 9 near Harbeson and crashing into a utility pole.

The crash happened at 9:20 p.m. when Robert Coulbourne, 47, was speeding eastbound approaching a curve in the road west of Route 5, said Sr. Cpl. Jason Hatchell of the Delaware State Police.

For unknown reasons, Hatchell said, Coulbourne failed to maintain control of his 2007 GMC Yukon and crossed the center line of the road into the westbound lane. The GMC crossed through the intersection of Harbeson Road and then exited the north edge of the roadway, continuing eastbound, through the front yards of several residences. The front of the SUV struck a utility pole, Hatchell said, and the vehicle caught fire, becoming partially engulfed in flames.

Coulbourne was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Route 9 between Harbeson Road and Hudson Road was closed for about 2.5 hours while the crash was investigated, and the roadway was cleared.

The Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate. Troopers ask anyone who witnessed this collision to contact Cpl./1 M. Kristunas at 302-703-3275. Information may also be provided through Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Editor’s note: This story was updated with the name of the victim