Hockessin man killed in weekend motorcycle crash

HOCKESSIN, Del. (Sept. 8, 2025) — A 65-year-old Hockessin man died Saturday afternoon in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Brackenville Road, New Castle County police said.

Police identified the victim as John J. Marra, who lived in the area. Officers were called to the scene around 3:10 p.m. after receiving reports of a motorcycle down in the roadway.

When first responders arrived, Marra was found unresponsive. Paramedics and emergency medical services attempted life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said the crash involved only Marra’s motorcycle and no other vehicles. The roadway, which winds through a wooded residential section of Hockessin, was temporarily closed to traffic as police conducted their investigation.

Authorities are asking for the public’s help as they continue to gather information. Anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have home surveillance or dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident, is urged to contact Detective William Hussong at (302) 395-2742 or by email at william.hussong@newcastlede.gov.

The New Castle County Division of Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation.

Marra’s death has left neighbors and community members stunned. Friends described him as an avid rider who enjoyed the open roads around northern Delaware and Chester County. Community groups in Hockessin and the Brandywine Valley have already begun discussing ways to support the family and honor his memory.

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George Rotsch is the Publisher and contributor to Delaware LIVE.  He is a graduated for the School of Journalism at Penn State University with a focus on business communications, marketing and advertising.  He is a professional business communications expert working with local and regional businesses for more than 25 years.  Today, George is a Publisher and communications strategist for Chadds Ford LIVE, Milford LIVE, Town Square LIVE and Delaware LIVE and works with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and non-profit executives to support their marketing strategies and community goals using the Delaware LIVE network.