Kyaharlem Hazard jailed, Heidi Riding killed after high-speed Toowoomba crash

While being followed across Toowoomba by police, a young man ran red lights and hit speeds of up to 150km/h. What happened next claimed the life of his 18-year-old passenger.

Heidi Riding died after the stolen car she was a passenger in crashed in Newtown and the driver, Kyaharlem Hazard (inset), has been sentenced in Toowoomba District Court for dangerous operation of a car causing death.

A young man involved in a high-speed police chase through Toowoomba in a stolen car, which crashed and killed his 18-year-old passenger Heidi Riding, has been sentenced.

Toowoomba District Court heard Kyaharlem Hazard, 19, drove at speeds exceeding 150km/h and ran red lights during the police pursuit late at night on July 13, 2023.

Just after midnight, the court heard Hazard, who had meth in his system, rounded a Newtown intersection, ejecting the teenage girl from the car.

The court heard Ms Riding was not wearing a seatbelt.

Hazard was released on parole six days prior for a number of crimes, including dangerous operation of a vehicle.

Crown prosecutor Hamish McIntyre said the agreed statement of facts with Hazard’s lawyers was that excessive speed largely contributed to the fatal crash.

Shocking photos reveal the carnage of the crash. Picture: Supplied

“The dangerousness itself crystallised in terms of (Hazard) veering into an intersection at an incorrect way at excess speed, lost control of the vehicle, he veered from the road, (and) killed Heidi Riding,” he said.

He said the now 21-year-old man had not apologised to her family, which was disputed by his lawyers.

“Although he was a young man, he has an atrocious criminal (and traffic) history, including multiple offences of dangerous driving, including while adversely affected,” he said.

“This man is a danger to the community.”

Mr McIntyre said he had watched footage of the crash, which showed he was being followed by police.

“Police were aware of him, but were keeping some distance,” he said.

“He was being followed by multiple police cars, including unmarked cars at the time.”

Mr McIntyre said some witnesses suggested Hazard was crouched over Ms Riding’s body saying “certain words”, which was contrary to what police witnesses heard.

“You shouldn’t have been pursuing us,” he said Hazard told police officers at the scene.

Barrister Scott Lynch told the court the case was significantly delayed due to police, noting a number of officers present at the time of the crash refused to provide statements.

Mr Lynch said an application to cross-examine witnesses, including police officers, was brought before Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Kyaharlem Hazard.

He said the court proceedings, which never came to fruition, was to probe “the lawfulness of that pursuit,” he said.

“Some of the officers refused to provide statements and were directed by the Commissioner under duress.

“That investigation continues, as I understand it.

“(Thus) there was a significant delay in disclosure and indeed letters had been sent, directions had been given to the court … that wasn’t complied with.”

He said the issue was eventually resolved.

Mr Lynch said his client never disputed the charge of dangerous driving causing death, which was known to prosecutors.

He said Hazard showed great contrition following the fatal crash, and said the young man had a “horrific” upbringing, which rendered him homeless at the age of 12.

Mr Lynch conceded Hazard’s criminal history was atrocious and that it was inevitable that something of this nature would eventually occur.

Judge Dennis Lynch KC told Hazard his crime was extremely serious and showed he had learnt nothing from his previous run-ins with police and the justice system.

Judge Lynch said the impact of his actions was grave, noting the loss to Ms Riding’s family.

He noted although it was said there was a rut in the intersection that may have contributed to the crash, it was null and void given Hazard’s speed of 121km/h when he entered the intersection.

Heidi Riding died in the crash.

Judge Lynch said he accepted Hazard was deeply remorseful, noting he suffered from PTSD following the crash and was staying clean from drugs.

Judge Lynch said a report tendered to the court deemed Hazard a moderate risk at reoffending, however given his trauma, addiction, and criminal history, he did not share the same optimism as the psychiatrist.

Before Toowoomba District Court on Thursday, June 12, Hazard was sentenced to a seven-year jail term, with 399 days (of 966 days) declared as time served.

Earlier in 2025, Hazard pleaded guilty to dangerous operation of a car causing death, unlawful use of a car at night in company, and disqualified driving.

Hazard will be eligible to apply for parole on November 8, 2025.

His licence was suspended indefinitely.

Now that the criminal matter has been finalised, the Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command will investigate whether or not police played a role in the crash.

Originally published as Kyaharlem Hazard jailed, Heidi Riding killed after high-speed Toowoomba crash