FedEx driver was looking at phone before fatal crash that killed ex-NY track star and 2 kids: report

A Tragic Collision: Distracted Driving Claims Three Lives

A devastating crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on July 20, 2024, claimed the lives of Donnell Hickson, a former Long Island track star, and his two children, Decir (18) and Kyla (11). The accident involved a FedEx tractor-trailer driven by Santos Valentin, who was allegedly distracted by his phone at the time of the collision. According to investigators, Valentin, 30, looked at his phone 25 times in the 48 seconds leading up to the crash, periodically tapping and swiping the screen. The force of the crash was so severe that both vehicles were pushed off the road, with the FedEx truck landing on top of the Hickson family’s Honda Civic. Donnell, Decir, and Kyla were pronounced dead at the scene, while Valentin survived and was hospitalized.

The Crash Investigation Reveals Disturbing Details

The investigation into the crash has revealed alarming details about Valentin’s behavior behind the wheel. Dash camera footage from the FedEx truck shows Valentin repeatedly glancing at his phone in the moments leading up to the tragedy. Prosecutors allege that Valentin’s distraction caused him to fail to react in time to the Honda Civic, which had moved into the same lane as the truck and then stopped abruptly. While Valentin claimed that the Civic “came out of nowhere,” the footage paints a different picture, showing that he was not fully attentive to the road. Valentin was also not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, further raising questions about his adherence to safety protocols.

A Beloved Family Lost: The Hickson Legacy

Donnell Hickson, a 43-year-old resident of Baldwin, was a pillar of his community and a devoted father to his two children. A standout athlete in his youth, Hickson had been an All-American and all-state triple jumper at York College in Jamaica, Queens, and even competed in the 2005 NCAA Championships. His son, Decir, was on the cusp of beginning his college journey, while his daughter, Kyla, was a bright and creative 11-year-old with dreams of one day creating her own cartoon show. The Hickson family’s tragic loss has sent shockwaves through their community, with friends and loved ones describing them as “beloved members” whose absence is deeply felt.

The Legal Fallout: Charges and Bail

Santos Valentin turned himself in to police on February 12, 2025, after being charged with three felony counts of homicide by a vehicle.Prosecutors argued that Valentin’s reckless behavior, particularly his alleged use of his phone while driving, directly contributed to the fatal crash. Valentin was granted bail in the amount of $300,000 by Magisterial District Judge Joseph Stauffer and was initially held at Lancaster County Prison. A preliminary hearing for the case has yet to be scheduled, but the charges carry significant legal consequences if Valentin is convicted. The case has drawn attention to the dangers of distracted driving and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic safety laws.

Community Support and Remembrance

In the wake of the tragedy, the community has come together to support the Hickson family. A crowdfunding page established to assist Donnell’s wife, Keisha, and his mother, Martinique, has highlighted the lasting impact of the family’s loss. The page remembers Donnell as an “amazing” father with a vibrant personality who “lit up any room he entered.” Decir is recalled as a promising young man ready to embark on his college journey, while Kyla is described as a creative and imaginative child with big dreams. The outpouring of support reflects the deep affection and respect the Hickson family commanded within their community.

A Call to Action: Preventing Future Tragedies

The Hickson family’s tragic loss serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of distracted driving. The case has sparked conversations about the need for greater awareness and stricter penalties for drivers who use their phones behind the wheel. As the legal proceedings unfold, advocates are urging lawmakers and drivers alike to take steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future. By honoring the memories of Donnell, Decir, and Kyla, the community hopes to ensure that their lives were not lost in vain and that their legacy inspires meaningful change.