Longtime Tennessee sports reporter Wes Rucker died Thursday, Feb. 19, the only fatality of a multi-vehicle crash on I-40 West in Knoxville, Tennessee.
He was 43 years old.
Rucker’s death was confirmed by his father-in-law, David Goldberg, in a Facebook post published late Feb. 19. According to a Feb. 20 news release by the Knoxville Police Department, police officers responded to a five-vehicle crash on I-40 West at 4:50 p.m. ET on Feb. 19, where Rucker — who was not named in the release — was pronounced dead at the scene.
Per Knoxville police, an investigation revealed a vehicle was stopped for traffic when it was rear-ended by another vehicle, resulting in ‘minor damage.’ However, another vehicle then struck the second vehicle and, seconds later, a large pickup truck ran into and on top of Rucker’s vehicle, fatally injuring him.
Rucker’s death has elicited an outpouring of tributes from to those knew him, whether they followed his career or worked with him professionally.
Who is Wes Rucker?
Rucker was an award-winning sports journalist who covered the Volunteers since 2000 for numerous outlets, most recently NBC affiliate WBIR-TV in Knoxville. As noted by Knox News, part of the USA TODAY Network, Rucker was an alum of the University of Tennessee, first covering Tennessee for the student newspaper, The Daily Beacon, in 2000. He also wrote for the Farragut Press Enterprise, the Daily Times (Maryville, Tennessee) and Chattanooga Times Free Press as a student.
Rucker later covered the Mocs before transitioning to cover Tennessee in 2007, including as a senior writer for 247Sports. He began working at WBIR-TV in 2025, and hosted radio shows and podcasts focused on the Volunteers and college sports throughout his career.
According to Knoxville CBS affiliate WVLT-TV, Rucker’s work earned him several statewide and national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors. He also was a voter for both Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Trophy, as well as an AP football and basketball poll voter.
He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and son. Rucker announced on X (formerly Twitter) in late December that he and his wife were expecting their second child in May.
Friends, fans react to death of Wes Rucker
Here is a sampling of reactions from throughout Tennessee and the media world to Rucker’s death:
WBIR-TV
‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of Wes Rucker,’ WBIR president and general manager David Hunt shared in a statement on the TV station’s website. ‘During his time at WBIR and throughout his coverage of the University of Tennessee, Wes exemplified integrity, insight and a genuine love for this community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. He will be truly missed.’
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes
Tennessee athletic director Danny White
‘Today is truly heartbreaking on Rocky Top as we come to terms with the tragic news about Wes,’ UT athletic director Danny White wrote on X. ‘Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.’
Here are more reactions from social media: