Man arrested for 2nd-degree murder in deadly crash involving radio personality Don Hall
The Wichita Police Department arrested 43-year-old Ray Watkins for second-degree murder in the Wednesday morning crash that killed radio personality, Don Hall.
Police say officers arrived on the scene of the accident at Kellogg and Rock Road around 4:20 a.m. They found 70-year-old Donald Hall pinned in his vehicle. He was pulled from the vehicle in critical condition and died on the scene.
Police learned Hall was driving a red 2012 Lincoln east on Kellogg and exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road when Watkins, driving a 2000 white Lincoln southbound on Rock Road, ran a red light and collided with Hall.
Police say they found alcohol and drugs in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person. They believe this to be a factor in the crash.
Watkins suffered minor injuries in the crash. He was arrested without incident. Police say he's been previously arrested and convicted of a charge of aggravated robbery.
“This is a very sad and tragic case,” Chief Gordon Ramsay said. “Don was a big part of the Wichita community for many years. He will be missed. WPD continues its thoughts and prayers for the Hall family and all those affected by this unfortunate incident.”
Hall started as the public address announcer for Shocker men's basketball games in 1983. WSU says he only missed two home games in the 36 years since.
-----
Wichita State University released a statement regarding the death of Don Hall. Hall started as the public address announcer for Shocker men's basketball games in 1983. WSU says he only missed two home games in the 36 years since.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime men’s basketball public address announcer Don Hall,” said Darron Boatright, Director of Athletics. “He was a special person in Shocker Athletics and brought a lot of joy to our fans and student-athletes during our events. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed being an American Legion and Kansas Patriot Guard rider. Wichita State Athletics and the Wichita community will miss Don greatly.”
------
UPDATE: Eyewitness News has learned that Don Hall is the man who was killed in this morning's crash. KNSS made the announcement on their website.
KNSS says Hall worked more than 45 years in radio. He was also the arena announcer for Wichita State Basketball.
Hall was 70 years old.
-----
Emergency crews are on the scene of a fatal crash on Kellogg Drive at Rock Road.
Crews were called to that scene at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
We know a 70-year-old man died in the crash.
Authorities at the scene say that man was driving on Kellogg and turning left onto Rock Road, when another vehicle headed south ran a red light and struck his car.
Wichita police believe the second driver was impaired. That driver was taken to the hospital with potentially serious injuries.
Rock Road is closed both northbound and southbound in that area. Kellogg Drive, which is the side road next to Kellogg, is also closed. Kellogg itself is open.
The Critical Accident Team is at the scene investigating. Police hope to have the area back open before 7:00 a.m.
