Ewing is survived by nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild seen here. (Source: Prichett)

BRIDGEVILLE, Del.- Former Delaware Rep. J. Benjamin "Ben" Ewing, of Bridgeville, was hit and killed by a car late Tuesday afternoon. Ewing's son Rich said the accident could best be described in one way.

"A shock," he said. "A definite shock."

Delaware State Police said the crash happened around 5:15 p.m. on Federalsburg Road, east of Barnes Road.

Police said a preliminary investigation shows 60-year-old Janet L. Bradley, of Bridgeville, was driving a 2016 Mazda CX5 westbound on Federalsburg Road just east of Barnes Road when she hit the 84-year-old Ewing. Troopers said Ewing was in the westbound lane when he was hit by the Maxda's front right bumper, throwing him onto the shoulder. Police said the Mazda continued westbound approximately 300 feet and came to a controlled stop on the shoulder.

Ewing was pronounced dead at the scene by Sussex County Paramedics.

Ewing, a Bridgeville Republican, was a former deputy superintendent of Delaware State Police and served as a state representative for more than 21 years. He retired from office in 2008.

"He was a statesman," said his son. "A true Delaware statesman. He spent all of his life. Whether it was in the state police - 20 years in the state police - and then 20 years in the legislature... He loved the state. The only reason he retired after 22 years was because of health."

Ewing's daughter, Penny Prichett, shared a similar sentiment.

"His nickname was 'Gentle Ben' because he just had such a gentle way about him. He loved people. And people loved him. He was very generous and very loving."

Gov. Jack Markell offered a statement Tuesday evening after learning of Ewing's passing:

“It’s hard to think about Bridgeville without thinking about the impact Ben Ewing had on that community for decades," said Markell. "From his service in the Marine Corps, to his career with the state police, to his time as an elected representative, Ben’s career was one of service to his country, state, and the people of the 35th District. Ben and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight and in the tough days to come.”

State troopers were similarly shaken up by the announcement of his death.

“The Delaware State Police is saddened by the tragic death of Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Ewing," said Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr, the Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ewing Family... The Delaware State Police is eternally grateful for his service to the citizens of Delaware. He will be greatly missed by all.”

Sen. Bryant Richardson, a republican from Laurel, said that he was a close friend to Ewing. When he was a publisher at the Laurel Star, Richardson wrote this biography on Ewing in 2008, when he was retiring from the General Assembly.

"He really cared about the people of Delaware," he said. "And he worked hard for the people of Delaware."

Bradley was properly restrained and was uninjured in the crash, according to police.

The DSP Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing its investigation into this incident. Police said alcohol and speed were not contributing factors in this case. Federalsburg Road was closed between Barnes and Wesley Church roads for approximately three hours.

"He was a helper," said Prichett. "And he helped a lot of people that didn't even know that he was behind the scenes."

Ewing is survived by his children, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.