From Law & Crime · · 1m 40s
16-year-old football star killed in drunk driving crash
Drunk driver hit 96 mph to kill 16-year-old football player.
In brief
Drunk driver hit 96 mph to kill 16-year-old football player. Deahri Steele, 23, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and aggravated DUI after killing Mason Hada, 16, in a car crash on Aug 26, 2021. Originally reported by Law & Crime.
Crash details
Deahri Steele, 23, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and aggravated DUI five years after he killed 16-year-old Mason Hada in a car crash.
Speed and intoxication
Steele was driving a black sedan at speeds up to 96 mph on Aug 26, 2021, while under the influence.
Mason's last moments
Mason was on his way home from football practice and on the phone with his father seconds before his car was struck.
Father's account
Mason's father LeRoy Hada said he was talking to his son using speakerphone when he heard glass break and the car hit.
Immediate aftermath
Steele was taken to hospital for injuries while Mason was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fleeing the scene
Steele fled Illinois after the crash and was apprehended by U.S. Marshals in Detroit on Dec 9, 2022.
Extradition and jail
Steele was extradited to Winnebago County and booked into jail after his arrest.
Sentence
Steele received 10 years for reckless homicide and five years and six months for aggravated DUI to be served concurrently.
Time served
Steele received credit for four years spent in Winnebago County Jail.
Mason's father's statement
When Hada got to the scene, he said everything was complete chaos with the ambulance cutting his son out of the car.
Current status
Steele is currently serving time in Winnebago County Jail after his sentencing.
The short version
Deahri Steele, 23, pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and aggravated DUI after killing Mason Hada, 16, in a car crash on Aug 26, 2021.
