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Unhooked trailer kills oncoming driver..Toni Hall

Thomas Edward Dells, 58 Toni Lynn Hall, 46

Trailer-puller enters driver death plea

Thomas Dells was charged for negligent homicide

Updated: Wednesday, 10 Mar 2010, 4:50 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 10 Mar 2010, 4:50 PM EST

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Rockford man whose trailer came unhooked and killed an oncoming driver pleaded no contest to negligent homicide Wednesday in Kent County Circuit Court.

In exchange for the plea, the prosecutor agreed not to ask for more than the midpoint of sentencing guidelines for Thomas Dells, who will be sentenced April 27.

On Oct. 28, Dells was driving a van on 10 Mile Road in Cannon Township when the trailer came loose, flew over a westbound vehicle, then hit the next car's windshield.

The crash killed 46-year-old Toni Lynn Hall, of Rockford. Her passenger suffered serious injuries.

Police said it appeared the steel pin that holds the ball mount to the van's hitch somehow came loose, allowing the trailer to break free. The trailer was hauling salvage metal.

Documents reviewed by 24 Hour News 8 maintain Dells did not use safety chains on the trailer.

Thomas Dells faces negligent homicide charge

Updated: Wednesday, 06 Jan 2010, 6:31 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 06 Jan 2010, 11:54 AM EST

By Joe LaFurgey

A Rockford man whose trailer came unhooked and killed an oncoming driver is now facing charges.

Thomas Edward Dells, 58, was arraigned Wednesday on a charge of negligent homicide.

On Oct. 28, he was driving a van on 10 Mile Road in Cannon Township when the trailer came loose, flew over a westbound vehicle , then hit the next car's windshield.

The crash killed Toni Lynn Hall, 46, of Rockford. Her passenger suffered serious injuries.

Police said it appeared the steel pin that holds the ball mount to the van's hitch somehow came loose, allowing the trailer to break free. The trailer was hauling salvage metal.

Documents reviewed by 24 Hour News 8 maintain Dells did not use safety chains on the trailer.

In a probable cause affidavit, a Kent County Sheriff's Deputy wrote, "No safety chains were used by Mr. Dells , and after having the trailer inspected , it was found not to be road worthy."

24 Hour News 8's Ken Kolker contributed to this report

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Rockford man whose trailer came loose, killing another driver, is ordered to stand trial

By John Tunison | The Grand Rapids Press

January 20, 2010, 1:03PM

UPDATE: Attorney says trailer in fatal crash had been used for years without incident, deal sought with prosecutor

GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP -- A 58-year-old man whose trailer came loose from his van, hitting an SUV and killing the driver, has been ordered to stand trial in Kent County Circuit Court.

Courtesy PhotoThomas Edward DellsThomas Edward Dells, 58, of Rockford, waived a probable cause hearing in Kent County District Court today on a charge of negligent homicide for the death of 46-year-old Toni Hall.

Dells was hauling a small trailer on 10 Mile Road NE on Oct. 28, when the hitch bar came loose from the van, catapulting the trailer into the air before it struck Hall's oncoming SUV.

Dells made no comment, but his attorney, Chuck Boekeloo, described the crash as a tragedy for both families.

"Obviously, there was no reckless driving. This was a terrible accident," he said.

Boekeloo said negotiations are ongoing with prosecutors on the charge.

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Toni Lynn Hall... Please Ask Why? Did she loose her life?

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Please Sign Her Guestbook Click Here

HALL - Toni Lynn Hall, aged 47, of Rockford, died suddenly Wednesday, October 28, 2009 from injuries in an auto crash. She was born in Wiltshire, England the daughter of William and Sharon Filkins Hall. She grew up in the Belding area and was active coaching with IPEC, a Life Coach, loved to fish and fix up things. She was a professional property manager and was loved and will be missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Tiffany (Nicholas) Drye of Rockford and Stephanie (RJ) Helder of Belding; her partner in life, Wendy Brower; grandchildren, Mckenzie, Heath, Rylei, Sidney and Kain; her step children, Jessica Brower and Andrew Karsten; her parents, Bill and Sharon Hall of Gowen; and grandmother, Maxine Hall of Greenville; her siblings, Randy (Brandy) Hall of Sheridan, Bill (Heather) Hall of Jenison, Shelly (Jill Taylor) Cooper of Portland, Oregon and Tammy Babcock of Belding; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 11 a.m. from Hurst Funeral Home with Rodney Rackham of the LDS Greenville stake and Carl Redding officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be sent via hurstfuneralhome.com. Hurst Funeral Home, Inc.

November 02, 2009

Wendy and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May you find strength.

Tammy Loranger,

Rockford, Michigan

When Toni entered a room, it spoke of love and laughter. Her quick smile and sparkling eyes will be remembered by all who knew her. The love and compassion she gave to the world, everyday, is her legacy. The joy and happiness shared between Wendy and Toni will be my constant memory of a woman taken too soon. Our loss is heavens gain.

Sharon Lee,

Wayland, Michigan

October 31, 2009

Thank you Wendy; for giving me the opportunity meet your beautiful partner, Toni. I know that she was your life and you were hers. My heart goes out to you and your children and Toni’s children, family, and friends. The outpouring of sympathies is a testament to Toni’s life. She was a wonderful person and she will be sadly missed.

Melissa Farrell,

Grand Rapids, Michigan

October 31, 2009

Steph and Tiff, My heart goes out to you both. Your family will be in my prayers. We will sure miss your mom.

Julie Hawkins,

Sand Lake, Michigan