Teen Driver In Collier Twp. Crash Could Face Charges

COLLIER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A 15-year-old boy is dead after a one-car crash.

Four other teens were hurt and police say there were so many things wrong even before the crash.

The crash happened in Collier Township at the intersection of Noblestown Road and Scotts Run Road.

Scott Katonka, 15, was ejected from the back seat of the Mazda 6 and was dead at the scene.

Police know for certain that Katonka was not wearing a seat belt. They are not sure about the others.

Behind the wheel was a 16-year-old girl with a junior license. She had four passengers ranging in age from 15 to 17.

Police say she had her license for less than six months and should have had no more than one passenger under the age of 18 in the car, according to the PA Vehicle code.

Lt. Andy Schurman of the Allegheny County Police says speed was also a major factor.

Police also the 16-year-old driver could be charged later. What those charges may be were not specified.

Meanwhile, the victim's family is trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

"It's devastating to get that call and you read about it in the paper every day and see it on the news, but until it happens to you, it doesn't seem real," Tom Katonka, the victim's uncle, said.

"He was a very lovable boy from the day he was born," he recalled.

Scottie loved having Halloween for his birthday. He had a passion for ice hockey, playing for the Mt. Lebanon Hornets and the Chartiers Valley Colts his freshman year.

His parents built a rink in the backyard where Scottie and his sisters would skate until after dark. He was a great big brother to 13-year-old Annie and 11-year-old Sarah.

His father says Scottie would stand on the shore at Myrtle Beach for hours with a pole waiting for the big ones to bite.

"Always seemed to be in a good mood and brought a lot of goodness to his family," Katonka said.

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15-Year-Old Killed In Collier Twp. Crash