Texas authorities say that a truck driver accused of causing a crash that killed four college students has committed suicide.
Truck Driver Found Dead Weeks Before Trial Begins
The Tarrant County medical examiner confirmed that truck driver Russell Staley, 55, committed suicide in his Saginaw home on Friday.
Semi Vs. Bus Crash Left Four Dead, Several Wounded
The September 26, 2014 crash took place on I-35 in Murray County, Oklahoma. Staley’s truck crashed into a bus carrying 15 members of the North Central Texas College softball team. Staley told police he was reaching for a drink when he lost control.
Police say that Staley did not brake or attempt any evasive maneuvers.
Four female students between the ages of 18 and 20 died in the crash. Several other students were injured in the crash.
NTSB Conducted Investigation Into Crash
After a year long investigation, the NTSB suggested that synthetic marijuana use contributed to the crash, though a blood test could not confirm the presence of the drug in Staley’s system.
Staley was slated to appear in court to face four charges of first degree manslaughter on March 8.
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Russell Staley,truck driver charged with manslaughter of 4 girls,dead by suicide
Practical World: https://t.co/0r5O5Fo1S7 pic.twitter.com/m34Jl7hclE— radiopratica.com (@radiopratica) January 30, 2017
Sources:
KXII
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
CW 33
Fox 4 News