A tragic incident unfolded on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on July 20, 2024, when a FedEx truck driver named Santos Valentin was involved in a crash that claimed the lives of a former Long Island track star, Donnell Hickson, and his two children. According to WKBN, Valentin was reportedly distracted by his phone, looking at it 25 times and “periodically tapping and swiping” before the fatal accident.
The collision between Valentin’s FedEx tractor-trailer and a Honda Civic carrying Hickson, 43, his son Decir, 18, and his daughter Kyla, 11, resulted in both vehicles being pushed off the road, with the delivery truck landing on top of the car.
Tragically, Hickson and his two children lost their lives at the scene of the crash, while Valentin survived and later turned himself in to authorities. He was charged with three felony counts of homicide by a vehicle for allegedly using his phone at the time of the collisions, as per court records filed on Feb. 12.
Despite claiming that the Honda “came out of nowhere” and that he was driving at a speed of 65 to 75 mph, the dash camera footage from the FedEx truck revealed a different story. Prosecutors stated that Valentin was seen using his phone extensively before the crash, including just 48 seconds before the fatal collision.
According to Newsday, Valentin was observed looking at his phone 25 times in that 48-second span, compared to only 20 glances at the road. He was also seen tapping and swiping the screen periodically.
As the investigation continues, questions remain as to why the Honda suddenly stopped, leading to the tragic collision that claimed the lives of Hickson and his children.
Valentin was released on bail after posting $300,000 and is awaiting further legal proceedings. A crowdfunding page has been set up to support the family of the victims, highlighting the impact of their loss on the community.
Donnell Hickson’s legacy as a talented athlete and a beloved member of the community lives on, with his son Decir remembered for his bright future ahead and his daughter Kyla for her creativity and dreams of creating her own cartoon show.
The organizers of the crowdfunding page, Frances Crooks and Lakeisha Barron-Williams, expressed the deep impact of the loss of Donnell, Decir, and Kyla on those who knew and loved them.
