Andrew Voigt, involved in the high-speed race that ended in a tragic school van crash in September of 2023, received his sentence today. As reported by CBS News Pittsburgh, Voigt will serve from 16 months up to a maximum of 4 and 1/2 years in prison for his participation if caused the death of Serra Catholic High School student Samantha Kalkbrenner and the injury of four other students.
During the morning rush hour on Richland Avenue in Dravosburg, Voigt and another man, William Soliday, were engaged in a race reaching speeds near 100 miles per hour, resulting in Soliday's vehicle colliding with the school van, sending Samantha Kalkbrenner to a mortal fate. Soliday's sentence earlier this year was a heavier 5 and 1/2 to 12 years, as reported by WPXI, reflecting his direct role in the deadly impact.
Voigt was found guilty on five counts of reckless endangerment alongside several other charges, inclusive of reckless driving, careless driving, and speeding-related offences. Voigt, who did not directly collide with the van, was nonetheless identified by Judge Bruce Beemer as a contributor to the conditions that led to the crash
It's reported that Voigt, who had been out on bond since the charges were laid, exhibited signs of distress in the courtroom - appearing stunned by Judge Beemer's decision and almost collapsing when the deputies moved to handcuff him; he was later escorted to jail.
