Following is the text of a letter sent to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review by William Snyder, a former Pennsylvania Department of Transportation worker sentenced to seven to 34 years in prison for his role in the Aug. 25, 1995, crash that killed six people and critically injured two others: Dear Editor, My name is William Snyder. I am the former PennDOT employee who caused the catastrophic accident on the HOV lanes, in which 6 people lost their lives and 2 others were critically injured in Pittsburgh, on August 25, 1995. For many years I have wanted to make this public apology, and I am doing so against the advice of representation. From the very moment I became aware that I was responsible for causing an accident, I was remorseful and shocked. Upon learning that 6 lives were lost and 2 people were critically injured, words cannot properly relate the level of horror, sorrow, anguish, guilt, confusion and panic that came over me and is with me to this day. The courts saw fit to sentence me to 7 years, 6 months to 34 years in prison for my recklessness and negligent action. From the onset, I cooperated truthfully and fully with the police in my confession and not once did I attempt to rationalize or justify my irresponsibility in this matter. I also cooperated completely with the victims insurance companies when asked, as well. Aside from my expression of remorse, I would like people to know that for 45 years prior to August 25, 1995, I was and am a loving son to a wonderful mother, and a brother to two sisters that I adore. Until that fateful day, I was just an employee of the state, living a quiet life. I have lived in Pittsburgh for all but four years of my life. I would like for people to know that this tragedy was caused by me accidentally. Yes, and I was irresponsible and negligent, and, yes, there were trace amounts of cocaine, Marijuana and Opiates from prescribed Cough Syrup in my system on that terrible day. And yes, I do accept full responsibility for my actions, and yes I do attribute these trace levels of drugs as contributing factors in my lack of proper thought processes at that most critical and devastating time. I would never knowingly or willingly put anyone’s or anything’s life in danger. To the victims families and loved ones, my deepest apologies and most heartfelt pleas for forgiveness go out to you. I pray that you find peace and understanding. Having lost loved ones suddenly and tragically myself, coming to these terms, sometimes is the best a person can manage. Please believe me when I say that my horrific actions on that day were not intentional. That being a man raised with Christian values, principles, morals, and ethics, I accept responsibility for my actions and do comprehend the consequences of my negligence. My remorse is both sincere and eternal. To my own family and loved ones, thank you for your unconditional love, for your faith, knowledge and understanding in & of me, and for your unwavering support and loyalty. To my former co-workers at PennDOT, the government of the city of Pittsburgh and the citizens there, neither words or deeds can properly express my apologies and remorse for senselessly causing this accident by my negligence. I am so sincerely sorry and pray that circumstances like these never happen to anyone again. Please forgive me. This letter is long overdue, I hope that you print it. William Snyder

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