State officials are mourning the passing of retired state Elections Commissioner Elaine Manlove who along with her husband died in a tractor-trailer-SUV crash Monday afternoon.
“I’ve known Elaine since our days working together for New Castle County Executive Dennis Greenhouse in the early 1990s. Elaine was one of the most positive people I’ve ever known—and could light up any room,” said Gov. John Carney. “Elaine spent the last two decades protecting our fundamental right to vote – 12 of those years as Delaware’s Elections Commissioner. She delayed her retirement to help prepare for the unprecedented challenges of the 2020 election. Elaine and Election Day have been one and the same for years. She was a public servant and a good friend. We are also sending strength today to Elaine’s second family at the Department of Elections. This is not an easy day for them, but I know they will be working hard to protect our democracy and make Elaine proud.”
“It is especially painful to learn of Elaine and Wayne’s passing on Election Day – a day that she dedicated so much of her career to administering and defending. Elaine was a delightful human being, and a friend to me and to so many others in the Department of Justice, and I share the heartbreak that so many are feeling across our state,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings.
Delaware State Police reported the crash between a tractor-trailer and the Manlove’s vehicle occurred Monday afternoon on South DuPont Highway south of New Castle.
Trooper said a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Elaine Manlove, 72, of Oceanview was stopped in the right lane of northbound South. DuPont Highway for a red traffic light at the intersection to Red Lion Road.
A 2018 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling in the right lane of northbound S. DuPont Highway and failed to stop. The front of the Freightliner struck the rear of the Equinox, pushing it off the roadway and causing it to spin out of control until it struck a tree.
Manlove and her 75-year-old husband Wayne, were properly restrained. Both were transported to Christiana Hospital where they were pronounced dead.
The operator of the tractor-trailer, a 41-year-old man from Ephrata, PA, was not injured. as a result of the crash.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the crash should contact Det. Breen of the Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit by calling 302-365-8486.
Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com
