KEYN/Wichita’s Don Hall Killed In Crash
• UPDATED: We were saddened to hear that Don Hall, the longtime morning co-host on Entercom Classic Hits KEYN/Wichita, KS, was killed early Wednesday morning on his way into work when his car was hit by a driver who ran a red light.
Local CBS affiliate KWCH reports that Wichita Police officers arrived on the scene of the accident around 4:20am and found Hall, 70, pinned inside his vehicle. He was pulled from the vehicle in critical condition and died on the scene. The other driver, 43-year-old Ray Watkins was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. 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. Police say he had been previously arrested and convicted of aggravated robbery. “This is a very sad and tragic case,” said Wichita Police Chief Gordon Ramsay. “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 was also remembered by his colleagues — Jackie Wise, SVP/General Manager of Entercom Wichita, said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of beloved morning show host Don Hall. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. Mornings on 103.7 will not be the same without him. We will miss Don’s quick wit, humor and kindness.” KEYN Program Director Jack Oliver remarked, “Don Hall was a great supporter of the community and did everything he could to make this city a better place. We are devastated by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.”
Hall grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and spent his entire radio career in his home state — he got his first break at KSEK/Pittsburg, KS while attending Pittsburg State University, graduating in 1971 with a degree in Business. He spent two years at KWBW/Hutchinson, KS before joining KEYN for the first time in 1974. He later worked for KAKZ, KKRD and KZSN/Wichita before returning to KEYN, where he has been co-hosting the morning show with Barbara Baan and then flying solo from 9am-noon.
Hall had also served as the public address announcer for Wichita State University men’s basketball since 1983, missing only two home games over his 36-year run. Darron Boatright, Director of Athletics for WSU released a statement that read, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime men’s basketball public address announcer Don Hall. 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.”
• The KEYN Facebook page is filling up with remembrances of Hall and his storied Kansas career.
