176: The Turbulent Life and Death of Kelsey Hildal - Part 02

In the conclusion of this two-part series, Obscura turns from the formative years of Kelsey A. to her final, devastating night.

On April 1st, 2025, calls began flooding into dispatch: a wrong-way driver on Interstate 275. Officers pursued a gray Ford Escape, ultimately forcing it to a stop. What unfolded in the following minutes was chaos, fear, and tragedy—ending with gunfire that would claim Kelsey’s life.

Part 2 captures the raw audio from the dash cams, radios, and body mics that recorded her final moments. Beyond the incident itself, we examine the aftershock: the grief of her family, the official investigation, and the long shadow of untreated mental illness that had haunted her for years.

This episode is not only about what happened on that highway—it’s about how a life shaped by hardship, resilience, and trauma reached its breaking point.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Emergency calls describing a wrong-way driver on I-275.
• Police radio and dash cam audio from the pursuit and confrontation.
• Kelsey’s final words, captured in tense exchanges with officers.
• First-hand accounts of officers securing the scene and her dog.
• News reports and witness perspectives on the officer-involved shooting.
• The moment her family was notified and their reflections on her struggles.
• Insights into the paranoia, fear, and mental health battles that consumed Kelsey in her final year.

Content Warning

This episode contains graphic audio of a police shooting, discussions of mental illness, and descriptions of death. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Closing Note

Part 2 closes the story of Kelsey’s life—a life marked by resilience and collapse, triumph and tragedy. Thank you for sitting with her story.