Investigators say Ryan Thompson intentionally struck a motorcycle ridden by his former wife’s boyfriend after the men exchanged heated messages.
SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP, PA — A Pennsylvania man faces criminal homicide and other charges after authorities said he deliberately drove a pickup truck into a motorcycle ridden by his former wife’s boyfriend, causing injuries that led to the motorcyclist’s death.
Ryan Thompson, 47, was charged in connection with the July 16 death of Roy Holliday, 53, in Westmoreland County. Pennsylvania State Police allege that Thompson followed Holliday closely on Lowber Road before the pickup struck the motorcycle. Holliday was taken to a hospital and later died.
The charges include criminal homicide, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records cited in published reports. The accusations have not been proven in court, and Thompson is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Investigators said messages exchanged between the two men before the crash became an important part of the case. Thompson’s former wife told police that Holliday and Thompson had been communicating that day and had a heated text exchange, according to court records.
She also told investigators that the pickup involved in the crash was registered to her but had been left at the home where Thompson lived. Police said Thompson later acknowledged that he was the only person who had access to the vehicle.
State police said surveillance recordings and cellphone information placed both men near the crash site when the collision occurred. Investigators have not publicly released the recordings or the complete contents of the messages exchanged before the crash.
When officers went to Thompson’s home, they found the pickup with what police described as fresh damage to its front bumper. Thompson told investigators that he had heard Holliday revving his motorcycle near his home, according to the court records.
Authorities took Thompson into custody after reviewing the physical damage, surveillance material, cellphone information and witness statements. Police have characterized the collision as deliberate rather than an unintended traffic crash, but a court will determine whether prosecutors can prove that allegation.
Danielle Curran, who said she had known Holliday since middle school, remembered him as a devoted father and a person who was widely loved. She told CBS News Pittsburgh that Holliday “lived and breathed for his kids” and said those who knew him wanted answers about his death.
Thompson remained in the Westmoreland County Jail without bail following his arrest. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for July 27, when prosecutors were expected to begin presenting evidence supporting the charges against him.
Author note: Last updated July 23, 2026.