Shippensburg, PA – The Shippensburg community is mourning the loss of Delbert Burkholder Zimmerman, a 19-year-old resident who tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident on Sunday night, August 11, 2024. The accident occurred on Rice Road in Southampton Township, Franklin County, when Delbert’s Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle collided with a utility pole at high speeds.
The incident, which took place around 9:00 p.m., resulted in severe impact, and despite the efforts of first responders, Delbert was pronounced dead at the scene by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office. The accident has left the community in shock and grief over the loss of such a young and vibrant life.
Delbert Zimmerman, born on September 14, 2004, in Shippensburg, was the beloved son of Larry N. and Ella S. Burkholder Zimmerman. He was employed at Cumberland Supply, LLC in Newville and was an active member of the Shippensburg Old Order Mennonite Church. Delbert is survived by his parents and seven siblings, along with several nieces and nephews.
His funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the Shippensburg Old Order Mennonite Church, with interment to follow in the adjoining church cemetery. The Zimmerman family has requested the omission of flowers during this time of grief.
The tragic accident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by high-speed travel, particularly on rural roads like Rice Road. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community reflects on the life of a young man whose potential was tragically cut short.
On social media, many community members have expressed their sorrow and shared memories of Delbert. The Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., which has been entrusted with his funeral arrangements, has provided an online platform for condolences.
The loss of Delbert Zimmerman is deeply felt by all who knew him, and the community continues to support his family during this difficult time.