Man Had '100 Percent Acceleration' On Gas Pedal In Fatal DUI Crash: Montco DA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A court date has been set for a driver who police said was under the influence of drugs during a fatal crash in Montgomery County a year ago.

Khaliym Smith, 22, of Pottstown was high on THC at the time of the crash, police said blood tests later revealed. A nearly year-long investigation ended in criminal charges in December.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Feb. 6.

The incident, which took place on Route 422 in Collegeville, left two Philadelphia women dead and two other passengers injured, along with the driver.

It occurred at around 2:32 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2023 where 422 intersects with South Collegeville Road.

Just before he lost control, Smith was driving his Jeep at 81 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone, with "100 percent acceleration" on the gas pedal, according to an investigation of the Jeep's event data recorder.

The Jeep's vehicle safety system recognized the vehicle was out of control and automatically reduced the engine throttle, but it was too late. The vehicle ran through the grass median to the asphalt of South Collegeville Road, flipping over and sliding on its roof until it hit a concrete barrier, rolled over again, and ejected the driver and passengers.

Passenger Maya Garner, 22, was found dead outside of the vehicle. Another passenger, Givonah “Gigi” Mitchell, 23, was severely injured and provided life-saving treatment on scene by first responders. She died at Penn Presbyterian Hospital shortly thereafter after being transported by helicopter.

Smith, his sister, and another man were all conscious when first responders arrived, but in critical condition. They were taken to Paoli Hospital for treatment.

Police also found an unregistered "ghost gun" in the back seat of the car, along with a digital scale and more marijuana, they said.

Smith has been charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, and firearms charges. He turned himself in to Upper Providence Police on Dec. 22.

Bail was set at $100,000 and a preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 6.