'Gut-wrenching': Graduate student struck, killed by driver fleeing from police

ABC News - Apr 30th, 2025

A graduate student from the University of Delaware has died, and several others were injured when a U-Haul truck, driven by Gordon Turner, fled from police and struck pedestrians near the campus. The incident began when police identified the U-Haul as a vehicle reported for unauthorized use. Officers did not pursue Turner when he re-entered the truck and sped off, ultimately causing a chain of collisions that resulted in multiple injuries and one fatality. Turner was arrested on-site and now faces charges including second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

This tragic event underscores significant safety concerns and the impact of reckless behavior. The University of Delaware community is in mourning, with university officials expressing their condolences and emphasizing their commitment to campus safety. The incident also highlights the broader issue of vehicle-related crimes and the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with fleeing suspects. Turner's history as a fugitive in multiple states adds to the gravity of the situation, prompting further investigation and legal action.

Campus Safety University Of Delaware Gordon Turner U Haul Fleeing Police Pedestrian Accident

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and timely account of a tragic incident involving a U-Haul truck driver and University of Delaware students. It effectively uses authoritative sources and direct quotes to convey the event's gravity while maintaining clarity and readability. However, it could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from the accused or additional community voices. The story addresses significant public interest topics and has the potential to influence discussions on safety and law enforcement practices. While the article is accurate and reliable, additional context and exploration of broader implications would enhance its depth and impact.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the incident involving the U-Haul truck, the actions of the driver, Gordon Turner, and the resulting casualties. The factual claims about the incident, such as the timeline, the chase, and the injuries, align well with available reports from local news sources. For instance, the description of the truck being reported as an 'unauthorized use vehicle' and the sequence of events leading to the crash are consistent with police statements. However, details about Turner's past offenses in other states and the exact nature of charges against the passenger remain less clear, indicating areas needing further verification.

Balance

The article presents the perspectives of law enforcement, the Attorney General, and the university, which provides a comprehensive view of the incident's implications. However, it lacks input from the accused or his legal representation, which could offer a more balanced view. The focus on the tragedy and the statements from officials might overshadow other perspectives, such as those of community members or witnesses, which could have enriched the narrative.

Clarity

The article is clearly written with a logical structure that guides the reader through the sequence of events. The language is straightforward and avoids jargon, making it accessible to a general audience. The use of direct quotes helps convey the gravity of the situation effectively. However, some sections could benefit from additional context to improve understanding, such as the legal definitions of the charges mentioned.

Source quality

The article cites statements from credible sources such as the Delaware Attorney General, Newark police, and university officials, which adds to its reliability. These sources are authoritative and directly involved in the incident or its aftermath. The absence of anonymous sources or speculative information enhances the article's credibility. However, the article could benefit from additional independent verification or expert analysis to further bolster its reliability.

Transparency

The article is transparent in attributing information to specific sources and includes direct quotes from officials. However, it does not provide much context about the background of the suspect or the broader implications of the incident beyond immediate reactions. While it does mention Turner's fugitive status, more detailed information on his criminal history and the legal process would enhance transparency.