Authorities in Milford, Delaware, have identified Thomas W. Spahr, 78, as the man who died following a single-vehicle accident on South DuPont Boulevard, also known as Route 113, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

The Milford Police Department publicly identified Spahr on Friday, October 16, after initially withholding his name pending notification of his family.

According to investigators, Spahr was driving a 2011 Cadillac SRX when the vehicle crossed the median, entered the opposite side of the roadway, struck a guardrail and came to rest in a wooded area.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death has left family members and loved ones mourning a Milford resident, United States Army veteran, former healthcare executive and father of three.

What Happened in the Milford Route 113 Fatal Accident?

The fatal collision occurred at approximately 9:55 a.m. on October 13.

Milford Police reported that a 2011 Cadillac SRX was traveling southbound on South DuPont Boulevard, just south of Old Shawnee Road.

For reasons that remain under investigation, the SUV crossed the roadway median and entered the northbound lanes.

The vehicle continued traveling southbound against the normal direction of traffic before striking a guardrail.

After the impact, the Cadillac left the roadway and came to rest in a wooded area north of Marvel Road.

Police confirmed that the driver was the vehicle’s only occupant.

Emergency responders found the 78-year-old man at the scene, where he was pronounced dead.

No additional vehicles were reported to have been involved in the collision.

The police department has not publicly established what caused the SUV to leave its original travel lane.

Thomas W. Spahr Identified as Fatal Crash Victim

On October 16, Milford Police released an update identifying the deceased driver as Thomas W. Spahr of Milford, Delaware.

The identification followed the department’s original October 13 announcement, which referred to the victim only as a 78-year-old man.

Authorities had delayed releasing his name until relatives could be notified.

Spahr’s death was also confirmed in an obituary published through Lofland Funeral Home, which identified him as Thomas William Spahr.

The obituary stated that he died unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

His identification has brought attention to both the circumstances of the accident and the life he lived before the tragedy.

Who Was Thomas William Spahr?

Thomas William Spahr was born on June 7, 1948, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Oscar and Cecelia Kather Spahr.

He later served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Following his military service, Spahr pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in Business and Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He built a professional career in the healthcare industry, working for many years as a chief financial officer.

His career included financial leadership responsibilities within dental and medical organizations.

These professional achievements reflected his background in business management and finance.

Spahr eventually made his home in Milford, Delaware, where he became involved in community and recreational activities.

Remembering Thomas Spahr’s Family and Personal Life

Outside his professional responsibilities, Spahr enjoyed spending time outdoors.

According to his family obituary, he was an enthusiastic golfer who also enjoyed fishing and duck hunting.

He belonged to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and was a member of the former Shawnee Country Club in Milford.

Spahr also coached Little League baseball teams involving his sons, sharing his enthusiasm for athletics with younger generations.

These interests formed an important part of his life beyond his professional career.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Spahr, who died in 2023.

His parents, Oscar and Cecelia Spahr, and his brothers, John E. Spahr and Roland F. Spahr, also died before him.

Spahr is survived by his three children, Matthew Spahr, Charles Spahr and Emily Caldwell.

His surviving family also includes five grandchildren: Sydney Jean Spahr, Cecilia Spahr, Miles Spahr, Jackson Caldwell and Owen Caldwell.

He leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

For his loved ones, his passing represents the loss of a father, grandfather, relative and longtime family figure.

Milford Police Continue Investigating the Crash

The Milford Police Department’s Fatal Accident Reconstruction Unit is responsible for investigating the circumstances of the collision.

Investigators have not announced a definitive cause.

The preliminary police report does not establish whether a medical emergency, mechanical problem, distraction or another factor contributed to the vehicle crossing the median.

Those possibilities should not be treated as confirmed explanations.

Police are continuing to seek information that may help reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or possesses relevant information is encouraged to contact Corporal H. Simpson at 302-422-8081.

Information can also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

Members of the public may provide tips anonymously.

Route 113 Closed Following Fatal Collision

South DuPont Boulevard was closed for approximately two hours while emergency personnel investigated the crash and cleared the scene.

The closure affected the area around Old Shawnee Road and Marvel Road.

Route 113 serves as an important roadway through Milford and other communities in southern Delaware.

The October 13 incident prompted an emergency response and temporary traffic disruption.

The investigation remains focused on establishing why Spahr’s vehicle crossed into the opposing lanes before striking the guardrail.

As of October 16, police had not released a final reconstruction report.

Thomas W. Spahr Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

The family has announced arrangements to celebrate Thomas Spahr’s life.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.

The service will take place at Lofland Funeral Home, 102 Lakeview Avenue, Milford, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Delaware Alzheimer’s Association.

The arrangements offer relatives, friends and members of the community an opportunity to remember Spahr’s life and express condolences.

His family obituary provides a record of his military service, educational achievements, career and relationships.

Remembering Thomas W. Spahr

Thomas W. Spahr’s death at 78 has brought an unexpected end to a life that included military service, financial leadership, family responsibilities and community involvement.

From his early years in Wisconsin to his later life in Delaware, he pursued a career in healthcare finance while maintaining a strong interest in outdoor recreation and family activities.

For those who knew him, his legacy extends beyond the circumstances of the fatal crash.

He will also be remembered as a veteran, father, grandfather, former baseball coach and member of the Milford community.

While police continue investigating the October 13 accident, his loved ones are preparing to gather and remember his life.

Further information concerning the collision may become available as the Milford Police Department completes its investigation.

Disclaimer

This article is based on the Milford Police Department’s October 13 crash report, its October 16 identification update, and obituary information published by Lofland Funeral Home. The cause of the single-vehicle collision has not been publicly determined, and no unverified explanation is presented as fact. Funeral arrangements and investigative information may be updated by the relevant authorities or family representatives.