Two 53-year-old motorcyclists killed in Smyrna hit-and-run Sunday night, driver unknown

Two 53-year-old motorcyclists have died following a hit-and-run crash near the Smyrna Rest Area Sunday night, according to Delaware State Police.

The driver of the car that fled after hitting the motorcycle has not been identified.

Police said that Charles Green was riding a black 2010 Harley Davidson FXD motorcycle with Michele Baxendale as his passenger at 7:15 p.m. Sunday. The bike was traveling northbound on Dupont Parkway, police reported, approaching the Smyrna Rest Area. Then, for "unknown reasons," state troopers said Green lost control of the motorcycle, which began to slide onto its side.

As the motorcycle was tipping over, an unknown vehicle hit it, sending the Harley Davidson towards the entrance of the rest area. Police said the bike ended up in the right northbound lane of Dupont Parkway. The car did not stop.

The 53-year-olds, both from Wilmington, were taken to the hospital, where they later died, according to police. The area was closed for about four hours.

The crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt. J. Jefferson at 302-365-8484 or contact Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.delawarecrimestoppers.com.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on Twitter at @h_edelman.