FedEx Driver GLUED to Phone KILLS Dad and 2 Kids on Pennsylvania Turnpike!
A FedEx driver’s phone distraction led to a deadly Pennsylvania crash, killing a former track star and his two kids. 🌐 #News #LancasterPA #Pennsylvania #Accident
LANCASTER, PA – A devastating collision on the Pennsylvania Turnpike claimed the lives of a former New York track standout and his two children, all pinned beneath a FedEx truck. The driver, allegedly distracted by his phone, now faces serious charges. The tragedy unfolded in seconds, yet the aftermath continues to ripple through a grieving community.
Fatal Collision Rocks Pennsylvania Turnpike
On July 20, 2024, a FedEx tractor-trailer slammed into a Honda Civic on a busy stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
The truck, driven by 30-year-old Santos Valentin, carried enough force to shove both vehicles off the roadway, crushing the car beneath its weight.
Inside the Honda were Donnell Hickson, 43, a Baldwin resident and ex-track star, along with his 18-year-old son Decir and 11-year-old daughter Kyla. All three perished at the scene. Valentin, injured but alive, was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Driver’s Phone Use Under Scrutiny
Authorities zeroed in on Valentin’s actions leading up to the wreck.
Dash camera footage from inside the FedEx truck revealed he glanced at his phone 25 times in the 48 seconds before the crash. During that time, he only looked at the road 20 times while occasionally tapping and swiping his screen.
Prosecutors argue this distraction played a key role in the deadly incident. Valentin, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, claimed the Honda appeared suddenly, despite driving between 65 and 75 mph.
Charges Filed After Investigation
Valentin surrendered to police on February 12, 2025, facing three felony counts of homicide by vehicle.
Court records show he used his phone extensively before the collision, a detail investigators say contradicts his story. The Honda had shifted from the left lane to the right and stopped abruptly in front of the truck, though the reason remains unclear.
After his arrest, Valentin posted a $300,000 bail set by Judge Joseph Stauffer and was released from Lancaster County Prison. A preliminary hearing date is still pending.
Victims’ Lives Cut Short
Donnell Hickson, once an All-American triple jumper at York College in Queens, competed at the 2005 NCAA Championships and was known for his vibrant personality.
His son Decir stood on the cusp of college, ready to carve his own path, while Kyla dreamed of crafting her own cartoon series.
A crowdfunding effort launched by family friends Frances Crooks and Lakeisha Barron-Williams supports Hickson’s wife, Keisha, and his mother, Martinique, as they navigate this loss. The page describes the trio as cherished community members whose absence leaves a lasting void. Find out how you can help support the family on GoFundMe here.
Their Memory Inspires Hope
The loss of Donnell Hickson and his children, Decir and Kyla, has left a profound emptiness in their community, yet their vibrant spirits live on in the hearts of those who knew them. As a former track star, a college-bound son, and a creative daughter with big dreams, they each brought light to the world.
In times like these, we lean on faith, remembering Psalm 34:18, where it says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit, offering comfort to their loved ones. May their memory inspire strength and hope as we trust in God’s eternal promise.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Crime | New York | Pennsylvania
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