Sioux Falls, S.D. – The sole survivor of a devastating crash that resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals in rural Lincoln County is now facing serious charges stemming from a November incident. At the center of the legal proceedings is 20-year-old Hayden Hall, who had his initial court hearing on Tuesday.
What Happened to?
Hall, who miraculously survived the violent rollover crash that occurred about 10 miles northwest of Beresford over the weekend, is now confronted with accusations of underage drinking and car theft. Shockingly, it was revealed during the hearing that Hall was already grappling with felony charges from a previous case and had been released from jail just hours before the fatal crash.
Presently housed in the Minnehaha County Jail, Hall made his appearance in the Lincoln County Court via video conferencing. Adorned in a black and white striped prison uniform, Hall bore physical injuries, including a right arm in a sling and a noticeable limp. Tragically, he was the sole survivor of the crash that claimed the lives of two friends, aged 18 and 20.
Reports from law enforcement indicate that Hall’s 19-year-old girlfriend was still alive when he left the crash site and walked approximately a mile to a nearby dairy operation. Rather than seeking assistance, authorities allege that Hall stole a car, drove to Beresford, and went to sleep. Lincoln County Sheriff Steven Swenson disclosed that deputies, after reviewing surveillance footage from the dairy, were able to identify the car thief.
How did the accident happen?
“We were able to figure out who the driver, who this person is who stole the car from the dairy. We backtracked that to his residence in Beresford where he was at with the stolen car,” Sheriff Steve Swenson stated on Monday.
During Tuesday’s court session, the judge highlighted the results of a blood draw, which confirmed the presence of alcohol in Hall’s system on the morning of the crash. In addition to the stolen vehicle charge, Hall faces allegations of obstructing law enforcement, underage driving under the influence, being under 21, and having alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Lincoln County State’s Attorney Tom Wollman emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “The big takeaway from today’s charge is this particular defendant has been charged with a grand theft offense for the theft of the motor vehicle adjoining farm operation or neighboring farm operation.”
Disturbingly, it was revealed that Hall was already facing felony charges prior to the crash. “The defendant had been indicted this past week on December 6th for three counts of felony child abuse and one count of aggravated eluding,” disclosed Wollman. In that case, Hall is accused of leading authorities on a high-speed chase with three underage girls in the vehicle.
Remarkably, Hall posted a bond of a thousand dollars cash on Friday afternoon for the abuse and eluding charges. Less than 12 hours later, he was involved in the fatal crash and the alleged theft of a vehicle. Concerned about public safety, Wollman urged the judge to set a higher bond. Consequently, Judge Rachel Rasmussen raised Hall’s bond to $20,000 cash only and mandated his participation in the 24/7 sobriety program.
Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 27th, where the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic and alarming case will continue to unfold.
