Delaware
Friends, family honor 17-year-old killed in Delaware County crash with vigil
RIDLEY TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania (WPVI) — A Delaware County community came together on Saturday night to honor the life of a local teen who was killed in a car crash earlier this week.
In just 17 years, Damien Hocker left a lifelong impact in Ridley Township and beyond, especially on his friends.
“He was a great person,” said Patience Dorell. “Always brought light to every situation.”
17-year-old Damien Hocker
“Damien was a very sweet, kind, loving person,” added Kyla Banks. “He was always there for everybody at the hardest times.”
Hocker was walking home from the gym Tuesday night when police said he was struck and killed by a vehicle on West MacDade Boulevard and Fairview Road in Ridley Township.
Witnesses said the driver initially left the scene but returned shortly after. Police said the driver was interviewed and later released.
Pedestrian injured after being hit by car in Ridley Township, Delaware County
Friends and family shared endless memories of Hocker through tears and some laughter at a candlelight vigil at Ridley Park Lake Saturday night.
“He was loving, caring,” said Hocker’s brother, Bryant Colp. “Whenever he loved something, he wouldn’t let go of it.”
Colp said his brother had a passion for music and fitness.
Friends recalled how heartbroken they were upon hearing that Hocker was killed.
“I just dropped on the floor and I just bawled,” said Dorell. “I don’t think I’ve ever hurt so much in my life.”
In light of the immense tragedy, Hocker’s family says they have been supported by the tight-knit community.
“Our house hasn’t been quiet once,” said Colp. “We’ve had people in and out, and I think that’s helped.”
As well as finding strength in these moments, loved ones stood together and supported each other as they honored their beloved Hocker.
Vigil held for Damien Hocker in Ridley Township, Delaware County
“Everyone’s staying strong for him, and we’ll always remember him for the kind and courageous person he was,” said Kyle Luner.
“I hope he’s looking down and watching us gather to be here for him,” said Banks.
Hocker also saved several lives as an organ donor when he died, officials say.
As of Saturday night, it is unclear if the driver in this incident has been charged. Anyone with information on the crash should contact the police.
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DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio — People in Delaware County said it feels like new housing developments are popping up on every corner.
WSYX
“What haven’t you noticed, right? The whole area just exploded,” said Scott Shonebarger.
Scott Sanders, the executive director of the Regional Planning Commission, said companies like Intel and other industries are a main driver for thousands of people moving to Delaware County.
With the big boom comes an urgent need for more housing.
John Wicks is the developer at Real Property Design and Development.
He has spent over a decade building homes for families in Delaware County.
Wicks said the Olentangy School District is one of the hottest spots for new homes.
“I started with one high school up until the 90s, then now we’re up to four up to five different high schools so it’s just a big draw,” said Wicks. “It’s a beautiful community.”
The district has grown into the fourth largest in Ohio with a new elementary school opening next year, and a fifth high school in 2028.
Wicks said the growth has presented some challenges over the years like labor shortage and some opposition.
“It’s become a big issue for a lot of people that live in and around these areas. They tend to oppose new growth and new development, so restrictions have gotten a little bit harder. Costs have obviously gone up over the last 20 years,” said Wicks.
The planning commission says between 275,000 and 350,000 people could call Delaware County home by 2040.
That’s up from 214,000 in 2020.
Scott Shonebarger said he supports growth but wonders when is enough.
“I mean to a certain extent I think you know at some point right you have to have some sort of boundaries I think, getting into the fact that now you have five high schools,” said Shonebarger. “What’s the limit?”
Police in Wilmington, Delaware, shot and killed a 19-year-old man Wednesday night.
The incident happened in a residential area near 24th and Jessup streets just after 11 p.m., Wilmington police said in a news release. The person who was shot has not been publicly identified.
Officers were monitoring a large crowd gathered outside when they saw a man exit a home with a handgun and point it toward the crowd, police say.
When officers approached the man, he ran away and a foot pursuit began, police say.
At some point in the chase, an officer fired their weapon and hit the 19-year-old. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.
Police say they recovered a loaded gun from the man and that the officer was not injured.
Video filmed at the scene shows a crowd of residents gathered outside after the shooting.
Police are asking anyone with more information to come forward. The shooting is under investigation by the Delaware Department of Justice and Wilmington police.
Delaware Supreme Court Justice Karen L. Valihura announced Wednesday that she will lead a new corporate law institute at the Wilmington University Farnan School of Law.
She will step down from the bench of Delaware’s highest court in late July, after choosing not to seek reappointment at the end of her 12-year term. She revealed her plans for the next phase of her legal career in a special session of the court in Wilmington.
As well as joining the Wilmington University law school faculty, Valihura will be the founding director of the school’s new Corporate Law, Governance and Practice Institute. …
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