DRAVOSBURG, Pa. — More than a year after what police called a deadly drag racing case, Channel 11 has learned new information about the person driving the Serra Catholic school van.
We’ve confirmed that the man driving the van full of kids when it was hit on Richland Avenue on Sept. 20, 2023, had cocaine in his system. The crash killed 15-year-old Serra Catholic student Samantha Kalkbrenner.
Sources tell us that the driver admitted to hospital staff that he had used cocaine and tested positive for it on a drug test.
According to those same sources, for at least the last several months, the District Attorney’s office and Allegheny County police knew that the driver had tested positive for cocaine, yet never charged him in relation to the crash.
None of this was public knowledge until Channel 11 uncovered it Wednesday morning.
“We received [the van driver’s] medical records through the course of discovery, and we uncovered that information while reviewing the medical records,” defense attorney Casey White told Channel 11′s Gabriella DeLuca.
White represents William Soliday, who is charged in Samantha’s death, after police say he and Andrew Voight were drag racing on Richland Avenue in Dravosburg in September 2023.
For White, this changes the entire case.
“Credibility comes into play. Did this bus driver see my client approaching? Did it impact his ability to fairly and accurately depict the surrounding circumstances while operating a school bus?” White said.
Sources tell Channel 11, the van driver tested positive for cocaine and admitted to hospital staff that he had used it.
The driver has never been charged, nor was this information revealed publicly until Channel 11 started asking questions.
Channel 11 tried calling the driver, and going to his house — but someone there told our crew to leave
When we asked County Police why the van driver wasn’t charged, or if he is going to be charged, a spokesperson told us they do not comment on ongoing cases. He added that they handed their findings to the District Attorney’s office, and the DA then determined the appropriate charges.
When we asked those same questions to the DA — we never received a response.
“There is frustration. With all due respect to County Police and the DA’s office, we are trying to work through a resolution instead of pointing fingers,” Casey added.
This new information does not change the fact that William Soliday was driving more than 100 mph that morning.
The Kalkbrenner family sent the following statement to Channel 11 following the new accusations:
“We’re disappointed and hurt by the van driver’s alleged drug issue. We’ll hold accountable those responsible. Trusting in God’s plan, we’ll fight for the justice our daughter deserves.
“We’re struggling with hurt, disappointment, and betrayal. However, we’re committed to seeking accountability from those responsible. We trust God’s plan and timing will bring justice for our beautiful angel.
“Your ongoing prayers and support are crucial as we cope with this relentless pain. May justice hold accountable those whose selfish actions led to our unbearable loss.”
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