Police: UPMC doctor was driving over 120 mph before fatal DUI crash
PINE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) - A doctor is facing DUI charges in a crash that killed another doctor in July.
Data from the Tesla Joseph Yanta was driving showed he was going over 120 mph on Wexford Bayne Road, a 35 mph zone, before he lost control around a bend and crashed, killing Douglas Rockacy. Both were UPMC emergency room doctors.
Rockacy's family told police he and Yanta had participated in a golf outing before going to Cenci's Pizza in Wexford. According to the criminal complaint, video shows Yanta having six drinks over a 2 1/2-hour period.
Within two hours of the crash, officers said Yanta had a .172% blood alcohol content, more than double the legal limit.
Police said Yanta was using a seatbelt but Rockacy wasn't. Rockacy's friends said he was less than a mile from home.
Joseph Yanta is facing a slew of charges, including DUI, homicide by vehicle while DUI, involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.
"Dr. Yanta is not seeing patients and has no clinical duties assigned," UPMC said in a statement.
According to court paperwork, bail was denied for Yanta. A preliminary hearing will be held later this month.