175: The Turbulent Life and Death of Kelsey Hildal - Part 01

In this first part of a two-part series, Obscura takes you inside the complicated and often tragic life of Kelsey A., a young woman whose story weaves together resilience, trauma, and the weight of circumstance.

From her early struggles with brain surgery and a near-fatal car accident to her years in a bootcamp and boarding school, Kelsey’s life was shaped by events that altered her path in profound ways. Despite it all, she rose as a standout athlete—first on the basketball court, then in the MMA cage. But as the years went on, new battles emerged: psychiatric crises, brushes with the law, and the dark pull of choices made in desperation.

Part 1 is not the story of her final day—it is the story of how she got there. By tracing her journey, we see the psychological weight she carried and the brief moments of triumph that stood out against a backdrop of adversity.

This episode lays the foundation. Part 2 will plunge into the darker, more unsettling details of her final chapter.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Kelsey’s early life in Cincinnati and the medical ordeal that reshaped her childhood.
• A devastating car accident that left lasting physical and psychological scars.
• Her removal from home and placement into a North Carolina bootcamp, followed by Montana Academy.
• Near-death experiences, including her survival after collapsing in the snow during an escape attempt.
• The drive and talent that turned her into a star basketball player and later an MMA fighter.
• Glimpses of her later years: psychiatric struggles, brushes with law enforcement, and choices that complicated her legacy.
• A reflection on how chance, trauma, and resilience shaped the person Kelsey became.

Content Warning

This episode contains discussions of brain trauma, psychiatric crises, sex work, and law enforcement encounters. Listener discretion is advised.

Closing Note

Part 1 sets the stage. Part 2 will take you deeper into the grittier, unsettling details that define Kelsey’s final years. Free listeners will get Part 2 next week; patrons can listen early.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-content

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy