Nearly five months after a December crash that rattled Delaware County's cycling and college communities, prosecutors say an 18-year-old Collingdale resident will be charged in the death of a Swarthmore College mathematics professor who was struck while riding his bicycle in Upper Darby Township on Dec. 3, 2025. Officials say the charging decision followed blood testing that showed the teen driver had marijuana in their system while driving on a learner's permit.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse announced Tuesday that homicide by vehicle, driving without a license, DUI and related offenses have been approved against Kali Poole, 18, of Collingdale, in connection with the crash at West Providence Road and East Penn Pines Boulevard. Investigators say Poole tried to make a left turn and hit Eduard "Teddy" Einstein as he rode in a marked bike lane, and a warrant has been issued for Poole's arrest. "This is a tragedy, an utterly preventable loss of life," Rouse said, adding that his office intends to hold the defendant fully accountable, according to NBC10 Philadelphia.
Remembering Teddy Einstein
Eduard "Teddy" Einstein, 38, had just wrapped up a teaching term in Swarthmore College's mathematics and statistics department and was remembered by students and colleagues as a devoted teacher, husband and father. Friends said he was biking home from a haircut when he was struck while riding in a marked bike lane, and colleagues described his academic work as research at the intersection of algebra and geometry. The community response, including tributes from students and Einstein's family, has been detailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Where It Happened and Safety Concerns
Police say the collision occurred when the teen driver attempted a left turn and struck Einstein as he traveled in a marked bike lane on Providence Road. That stretch of Providence Road appears on regional planners' high-injury maps and has been the focus of local calls for Vision Zero style fixes and other safety upgrades. Local reporting has documented the crash area near Providence Road, Hilldale Road and Maine Avenue, along with ensuing community pressure for infrastructure changes, according to Delco.Today.
What Happens Next
The Delaware County District Attorney's Office says a warrant has been issued for Poole's arrest and is asking anyone with information to contact Sergeant Daniel Connell of the Upper Darby Police Department. Once Poole is taken into custody, the case will move to arraignment and other pretrial steps; prosecutors say they plan to pursue accountability for the decisions that led to the crash. Full details on the announced charges and contact information are available from NBC10 Philadelphia.
Einstein's family, his students and local cycling advocates have continued to push for safer streets and for memorials to his teaching and advocacy. A GoFundMe set up to support his family and help fund street-safety efforts drew widespread donations, and friends say they hope the latest legal step brings at least some measure of accountability as the community continues to mourn. Background on Einstein's life and the local response has been reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
