A McKees Rocks man will stand trial on involuntary manslaughter and other charges in the death of a friend during a joyride that went awry on Brunots Island.

John Lewis, 23, yesterday waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Municipal Court. He also is charged with criminal trespass, unauthorized use of an automobile and several traffic violations.

Mr. Lewis is charged in the death of Matthew Scott Delanko, 19, of Kennedy, whose body was found Sept. 14 on the Ohio River island. Authorities said Mr. Lewis struck Mr. Delanko with a truck after the two men sneaked onto the island and took turns doing "doughnuts and fishtails" in a van owned by Reliant Energy, which operates a power station on the island.

During their joyride, Mr. Delanko hit his head and lay down on the ground, saying he wanted to sleep, according to a criminal complaint filed in court. Mr. Lewis told police he left to seek help, but struck Mr. Delanko while returning with another Reliant Energy truck, the complaint states.

Mr. Lewis told authorities he tried to flag down a motorist, but did not try again to summon help because he was afraid he would get in trouble, according to the complaint. He also said he and Mr. Delanko had been drinking beer and Mr. Delanko had been "smoking weed," the complaint states.

First Published: October 2, 2008, 4:00 a.m.