We were saddened today to hear about the loss of Don Hall, the longtime voice of the Wichita State University Mens Basketball program as well as a long time radio personality, due to a fatal car crash today (April 29th).
According to Wichita Police officers, the accident happened just after 4am. When officers arrived, Hall was pinned inside his vehicle and critically injured. He passed away at the scene. The other driver, Ray Watkins, was arrested and charged.
Gordon Ramsay, Wichita Police Chief, said "this is a very sad and tragic case... 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"
Hall served in the community as a radio announcer for many years and also served as the public address announcer for the Wichita State University Mens Basketball team for 36 years. Dr. Jay Golden, president of WSU, made the following statement on Twitter
The Wichita Police have issued the following statement.
Wichita Police statement:
The Wichita Police Department has arrested 43-year-old Ray Watkins of Wichita on a charge of 2nd-degree murder.
At approximately 4:20 a.m. today, officers responded to an injury accident at Kellogg and Rock Road. Upon arrival, officers located 70-year-old Donald Hall of Wichita in critical condition and pinned inside of his vehicle. Hall had to be removed from the vehicle by Wichita Fire Department personnel, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The investigation revealed Hall was the single occupant of a red 2012 Lincoln traveling East on Kellogg and exited onto Kellogg Drive to turn north on Rock Road. Watkins was the single occupant of a 2000 white Lincoln traveling southbound on Rock road and collided with Hall’s vehicle as he was turning, causing his fatal injuries. It appears at this time that Watkins ran a red light before colliding with Hall.
Based on evidence found in Watkins’ vehicle and on his person, alcohol, and drugs are believed to be a factor in the accident. Watkins was contacted on the scene with minor injuries and was arrested without incident. Additionally, Watkins has 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.”
The investigation is ongoing, and the case will be presented to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.