A tragic incident on the Pennsylvania Turnpike took the lives of former Long Island track star Donnell Hickson and his two children, Decir and Kyla, in a collision involving a FedEx truck driven by Santos Valentin. The devastating crash occurred on July 20, 2024, when Valentin, allegedly distracted by his phone, collided with the Honda Civic carrying the Hickson family.
According to reports, Valentin was seen looking at his phone 25 times and was “periodically tapping and swiping” before the fatal wreck. The impact of the collision was so severe that both vehicles were pushed off the road, with the FedEx truck landing on top of the car. Hickson, a resident of Baldwin, and his children were pronounced dead at the scene, while Valentin survived and was later charged with three felony counts of homicide by a vehicle.
Investigators revealed that Valentin, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, had been using his phone for an extended period leading up to the collision. Dash camera footage from inside the FedEx truck showed Valentin using his phone just 48 seconds before the crash, glancing at the road only 20 times in that same timeframe.
The tragic loss of Hickson, a former all-state triple jumper at York College in Jamaica, Queens, and his children, has left a profound impact on their community. Hickson was described as a vibrant individual who always lit up any room he entered with his great personality. His son, Decir, was on the brink of starting college, while his daughter, Kyla, had dreams of creating her own cartoon show one day.
A crowdfunding page has been set up to support Hickson’s wife, Keisha, and his mother, Martinique, during this difficult time. The organizers of the page emphasized the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew the Hickson family, highlighting their significance as beloved members of the community.
As the investigation into the tragic crash continues, the memories of Donnell Hickson, Decir, and Kyla will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. Their untimely passing serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of distracted driving.
