Berkeley Woman, 23, Who Was Pursuing Doctorate Is Killed By Van

A 23-year-old woman who was pursuing her doctorate degree was killed after she was struck by a van in Delaware on Friday night, police said.

The pedestrian, Allie R. Zambito of Berkeley, was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of her injuries, according to the Delaware State Police.

Zambito was pursuing a master’s in anatomy and clinical health science while working toward her doctor of physical therapy degree at the University of Delaware. She graduated from High Point University in 2017, according to the school's website.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:09 p.m. on Friday as Zambito approached the intersection on Faulkland Road from the east side of the Newport Gap Pike in Wilmington, police said.

Zambito initially stopped for the red traffic control signal that permitted her to cross the highway from the east to the west side. She stood within the construction zone next to the construction barrels, police said.

As she waited, there were two vehicles to her right on southbound Newport Gap Pike stopped for the red traffic control signal as well. The light sequence at this location reflects a red light for the pedestrian and also for the southbound traffic on Newport Gap Pike, police said.

However, the light was green for northbound traffic on Newport Gap Pike. Unaware of the traffic light sequence at this specific intersection, the operator of the first vehicle physically gestured the pedestrian to cross in front of their vehicle because they also had a red light, police said.

The pedestrian then acknowledged the operator’s hand signal and entered the roadway without looking to her left for the northbound traffic. Due to the construction zone, the pedestrian’s first steps placed her directly into the northbound lane, police said.

At the same time, a Ford E-350 passenger van approached the intersection towards the green traffic control signal and continued northbound into the intersection. The front right side of the vehicle struck the pedestrian.

The 45-year-old male driver from Pennsylvania immediately pulled over to the shoulder. He was wearing his seatbelt. The vehicle was also occupied by four teenage girls, ranging from ages 15 to 17 years old, police said.

They were returning to their residence in Pennsylvania. No injuries in the van were reported. Neither speed nor alcohol on the part of the driver was deemed contributing factors in this collision investigation, police said.

Newport Gap Pike was closed for approximately two and a half hours while the scene was investigated and cleared.

The school's website talked about Zambito's drive, quoting her:

“It is hard to narrow down all of the ways in which HPU has fostered opportunities for me to become a better student, friend, leader and aspiring health care professional. I entered freshman year with an open mind and willingness to get involved in campus organizations that related to my interests, while simultaneously stepping outside of my comfort zone. I immediately joined Club Field Hockey and the Exercise Science Club, and made several friends who motivated me to give Greek Life a try. Becoming a member of Zeta Tau Alpha was by far one of the greatest experiences of my life. Through ZTA, I fought for breast cancer education and awareness, met incredible girls I was fortunate enough to call sisters, and further developed my leadership skills. Holding Service Chair and Academic Achievement Chair positions on programming and executive councils, respectively, polished my communication and event planning skills as well."

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.