Individual Details

STATE POLICE TO INVESTIGATE FORT SMITH IN-CUSTODY DEATH
The Arkansas State Police is investigating the death of Darrell K. Hays, II, 51, of Fort Smith. Hays died earlier today at the Sebastian County Detention Center in Fort Smith while being booked into the jail by Fort Smith police officers.
Fort Smith officers at approximately 12:30 AM initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Towson Avenue and Fresno. Hays was a passenger in the vehicle and was arrested based on an outstanding warrant and the possession of drug paraphernalia discovered during the course of the traffic stop.
Local police transported Hays to the Sebastian County Detention Center where he began to exhibit symptoms of being in medical distress. Lifesaving measures were begun and emergency medical personnel responded to the detention center to transport Hays to an area hospital where he died shortly after arrival.
Hays' body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for determination of a manner and cause of death.
At the request of Fort Smith Police commanders, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division has been requested to investigate the death. Upon completion of the investigation, an investigative file will be submitted for consideration to the Sebastian County prosecuting attorney.
Questions relating to the identity and administrative status of the police officers involved in the traffic stop should be directed to the Fort Smith Police Department.

Southwest Times Record, Fort Smith, AR; 25 Jun 2019
No criminal charges will be filed in the April death of a local man in police custody, according to the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Shue stated in a letter released Monday his office has completed its review of the investigative reports surrounding the death of Darrell Keith Hays II, 51, of Fort Smith. Hays was being transported by the Fort Smith Police Department to the Sebastian County Adult Detention Center on April 19. Shue stated he reviewed the entire Arkansas State Police investigative file, which includes interviews with the Fort Smith Police Department and the Detention Center staff, Arkansas State Police reports, multiple video recordings and the autopsy report, before making his decision.

OBITUARY
Keith Hays
MAY 27, 1967 – APRIL 19, 2019
Keith Hays was born on May 27, 1967 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Joann and Darrell Hays. He passed away Friday, April 19, 2019 in Fort Smith. Keith grew up in Rock Island, Oklahoma and Fort Smith and graduated from Poteau High School (Class of '85). He enjoyed his family, friends, and attending Courage to Change Church with his dad. Those who knew Keith, knew that he had the biggest heart and was full of life - a loyal friend who would give the shirt off his back. He especially adored his mom, dad and daughter, Mary Anne. He loved his nieces and nephews like his own, he was the best uncle. Keith will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Keith is preceded in death by his nephew, Shane Wesley Keith Baxter. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Anne Hays Atee; his parents, Darrell Hays and Joann Hays; his two sisters, Dee Dee Walker and Mitzi Dunavin; several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles also survive to cherish Keith’s memory.
A Celebration of Life Service to honor Keith’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 24 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charles Phillips and Pastor DeWayne Hicks officiating, interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Hackett. Viewing will be 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday before the service.
McConnell Funeral Home at 137 No. Main St., Greenwood, Arkansas is honored to have been entrusted with the arrangements for Keith Hays.

Birth	27 May 1967	Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas
Death	19 Apr 2019

Father	Darrell Keith Hays (1943 - )
Mother	Living