Two men accused of racing on a public highway in western Pennsylvania last year have been ordered to stand trial on charges in a crash involving a school van that left a teenage girl dead. The incident occurred on September 20, 2020, in Dravosburg when a Serra Catholic High School van was struck by a northbound sedan while attempting to make a left turn. Tragically, 15-year-old Samantha Lee Kalkbrenner lost her life in the crash, and three other students and two adults were injured.
Prosecutors allege that the two men, who worked at the same nearby location, were racing at the time of the collision. It is believed that the first car involved was traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph just before the crash. Following a 3 1/2-hour hearing, Allegheny County District Judge Kate Lovelace upheld all 15 counts against 43-year-old William Soliday II, including homicide, recklessly endangering another person, illegal racing, and reckless driving. Soliday, visibly emotional, was taken back to jail where he has been held without bail.
In the same hearing, the only felony charge against the other man, 37-year-old Andrew Voigt, was dismissed, along with a charge of failing to stop and render aid. However, Voigt still faces other charges, including five misdemeanor counts of reckless endangering. Defense attorneys for both men denied the allegations of racing. Voigt’s attorney argued that his client was not involved in a race or the subsequent crash, stating that “because two things happened at the same time doesn’t mean one caused the other.” Soliday’s attorney suggested that Voigt may have been chasing his client but maintained that there was no evidence of a race.
During the hearing, prosecutors presented testimony from three other drivers who claimed to have witnessed the defendants speeding. Additionally, video evidence was shown, including footage from a dashboard camera capturing the crash. Deputy District Attorney Brian Catanzarite argued that intent was not required for the charges, pointing out that the defendant consciously disregarded the high risk of death or serious injury that others faced due to his excessive speed. He stated, “You don’t drive at those speeds and not think there’s not a risk for other people.”
The tragic incident has highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating consequences it can have. As the case moves forward to trial, the families of the victims continue to mourn the loss of Samantha Lee Kalkbrenner, a promising young life cut short in a preventable accident.
