15-Year-Old Catholic School Student killed in Fiery Crash, Driver Faces Murder Charges

In a tragic incident that has left a community devastated, a 15-year-old Catholic school student in Pennsylvania lost her life after being ejected from a van and involved in a fiery collision. Now, the driver responsible for the crash is facing murder and involuntary manslaughter charges. The district attorney handling the case is furious at the reckless actions that led to this senseless loss of life.

The incident occurred on September 20, a Wednesday morning, around 7:25 a.m. Samantha Lee Kalkbrenner, a student at Serra Catholic High School, was traveling in a school van with three other students when the driver, 43-year-old William Soliday, allegedly engaged in street racing with another driver, 37-year-old Andrew Voigt. Soliday was driving at an unconscionable speed of 107 mph in a 40 mph zone in Dravosburg, a Pittsburgh suburb. As a result, Soliday crashed into the school van, causing three of the students, including Kalkbrenner, to be ejected from the vehicle.

During a press conference, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. expressed his outrage at Soliday’s actions. He stated, “On this particular morning, this school van had five persons on board, one driver, four children. These are all kids about 14, 15 years old. Three of the kids were ejected from the vehicle on impact.” Zappala revealed that Soliday was driving at least 90 mph at the moment of impact, after attempting to hit the brakes when he was already traveling at 107 mph in a 40 mph zone. The district attorney emphasized that while Soliday is considered innocent until proven guilty, the state views this as a murder case.

Zappala urged the public to remember that driving is a privilege and actions like these make someone a murderer. He stated, “That’s a deadly weapon. You turn that vehicle into a deadly weapon.” The district attorney mentioned that the video footage of the crash is too graphic to be shared at this time, but the evidence clearly indicates that Soliday was driving at “107 miles an hour at one stretch” of the Dravosburg bridge, which is a quarter-mile long and considered a landmark in the area.

Zappala also revealed that Soliday’s Volkswagen Jetta immediately exploded upon impact, further emphasizing the recklessness of his actions. The district attorney stated, “We believe they were racing,” referring to Soliday and Voigt, who are reportedly co-workers at the nearby Bettis Laboratory. In a disturbing turn of events, while numerous bystanders rushed to help the victims, Voigt allegedly fled the scene in his Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Richland Avenue and 3rd Street, as confirmed by the Allegheny County Police Department. Samantha Kalkbrenner, the 15-year-old victim, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other students were transported to the hospital in stable condition, while the adult male driver of the van was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Andrew Voigt mug shot (Allegheny County Jail)

William Soliday is now facing serious charges, including third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, homicide by a vehicle, four counts of aggravated assault by a vehicle, seven counts of recklessly endangering another person, speeding, racing, and careless driving. Andrew Voigt, the other driver involved, has been charged with accidents involving death or personal injury, seven counts of recklessly endangering another person, speeding, racing, reckless driving, and careless driving.

Soliday’s defense lawyer Casey White expressed remorse on behalf of his client and his family, but denied any malicious intent. White stated, “At no point in time did Mr. Soliday act with any maliciousness.” He also mentioned that Soliday has no recollection of the accident, driving, or even leaving home that day, as he suffered significant injuries, including head trauma and lacerations, which have affected his memory.

Soliday appeared in court for a preliminary arraignment and is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail. Voigt appeared in court on the same day and was issued a $150,000 bail, which he was unable to pay.

Samantha’s mother, Nenita Kalkbrenner, expressed relief that the case is finally being prosecuted. She stated, “We’ve been waiting and praying for this. I know we’re going to get justice.” A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Samantha Kalkbrenner’s family, which has already raised over $56,000. The funds will help cover the costs associated with her sudden and tragic passing on her way to school.

The incident deeply impacted the Serra Catholic High School community, with the school mourning the “tragedy” of Kalkbrenner’s death. They urged everyone to pray for the other students who were hospitalized as a result of the crash. As the community tries to move forward, they are united in their grief and determination to seek justice for Samantha and her family.

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