Sep 21, 2021

Trial underway in DUI crash that killed longtime Kan. radio host

Posted Sep 21, 2021 2:00 PM
First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH
First responders at the accident scene -photo courtesy KWCH

SEDGWICK COUNTY —The jury trial of a man charged in a fatal DUI crash that killed a longtime radio host and Wichita State basketball announcer is underway, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Watkins photo Sedgwick County
Watkins photo Sedgwick County

Ray Watkins, 44, is charged with involuntary manslaughter while driving under the influence in the April 29, 2020 crash that killed  70-year-old Don Hall.

Police said they believe Watkins ran a red light before the crash. He had minor injuries, but Hall died at the scene. Watkins was originally arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.

An affidavit released in the case against Watkins said he had a 0.243 blood alcohol on the day of the crash.. The legal limit in Kansas is 0.08.

Hall was a morning show co-host at KEYN Radio in Wichita, and radio station KNSS reported he had worked for more than 45 years in radio in Kansas, including stations KWBW in Hutchinson and Wichita radio stations KAKZ, KKRD and KZSN. He also had been the voice of Shocker men’s basketball since the 1983-84 season

-The Associated Press Contributed to this report

-----