Providence Township man pleads guilty in Christmas Day DUI crash that killed man
Providence Township, PA – A head-on collision on Lancaster Pike during a Christmas Day drive ended in a fatal outcome that has now reached a courtroom resolution after the driver admitted responsibility for the crash.
David Ray Whisman, 43, of the 300 block of Hollow Road, pleaded guilty on January 20 before Judge Dennis Reinaker to 10 offenses, including homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence. Sentencing will take place after the completion of a pre-sentence investigation.
The charges stem from a crash that occurred the afternoon of December 25, 2022, along Lancaster Pike just south of its intersection with Truce Road. Investigators determined Whisman was under the influence of fentanyl and other substances when his vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic and struck another vehicle head-on.
The passenger in the struck vehicle, 86-year-old Frank Cascarella, died weeks later from injuries sustained in the crash. His wife, 80, who was driving, survived but suffered serious injuries including brain bleeding, a liver tear, and a deep laceration to her knee.
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According to court records, blood testing conducted hours after the collision showed Whisman had fentanyl, multiple opioids, and a horse tranquilizer in his system. Pennsylvania State Police found drug residue and paraphernalia inside Whisman’s vehicle, including bags labeled as containing opioids.
Troopers reported Whisman struggled to remain conscious at the scene and later admitted to smoking fentanyl several hours before driving. A vehicle analysis concluded the victims had no opportunity to avoid the crash. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kyle Linardo.
Key Points
- A Providence Township man pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle while DUI
- The Christmas Day crash killed an 86-year-old man and seriously injured his wife
- Sentencing is pending following a pre-sentence investigation
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