Delaware State Police are continuing to investigate a Tuesday morning ambulance crash that claimed the lives of a paramedic and patient.

Stephanie L. Callaway, 31, of Lewes, and Betty J, Hall, 82, of Lewes, were killed in the early morning hours of June 17 when the ambulance transferring Hall from the Renaissance Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Long Neck to Beebe Hospital struck a tree along Route 24.

The ambulance driver – Michael E. Wissman, 34, of Frankford – and an additional paramedic – Brice H. Hickman, 47, of Dagsboro – were also treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police said the 2005 Ford ambulance left the roadway and struck the tree after Wissman swerved in an effort to avoid hitting a deer that had entered the roadway.

“This is a devastating loss to our department, to the fire service and to the entire regional EMS community,” Sussex County EMS Director Glenn Luedtke said.

“Our family is gathering around us and that’s how we’ll get through this.”

Callaway had been with SCEMS for almost five years and worked in Kent County prior to coming to Sussex. She held a Bachelor’s of Science in Emergency Medical Services Management from George Washington University and served as a field training officer and spokeswoman for the Sussex County Paramedic Association. She is survived by her husband, Steve, and two children.

“Stephanie was the type of person, no matter the situation, who would smile and respond, ‘It’s all good’,” said Joseph Hopple, a paramedic and fellow public information officer. “Even now, she would find a way to see the good in something as tragic as this.”

The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed.

Sussex County Administrator David Baker has ordered all county flags to be lowered to half-staff until further notice.

“People don’t realize the dangers that are involved in this profession sometimes,” Baker said. “What has happened here today certainly drives that home for all of us.”

Callaway’s passing marks the first line-of-duty death for SCEMS in the department’s 18-year history.

County spokesman Chip Guy said more information would be available once funeral arrangements were made.