Wes Rucker killed in multi-vehicle crash on I-40, tributes pour in

wes rucker is named in coverage as the driver who died after a multi-vehicle collision on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road on Thursday at about 4: 50 p. m., though the Knoxville Police Department said the driver's identity had not been released as investigators continued their work.

Crash on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road

The Knoxville Police Department said the crash began when a car stopped in traffic was rear-ended, setting off a chain-reaction collision involving five vehicles on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road at roughly 4: 50 p. m. A third vehicle then struck the second car, and a large pickup truck later drove onto one of the cars involved; the driver of that vehicle died from injuries sustained in the crash. KPD said it is investigating the scene.

Wes Rucker remembered by colleagues

Coverage identifying wes rucker says he was 43 and that family and colleagues have shared tributes. His father-in-law, David Goldberg, posted on Facebook: "This is so very sad. My son-in-law Wes Rucker married to my daughter Lauren was tragically killed in a car accident several hours ago... We are heartbroken. Lauren is expecting their 2nd child. We will miss him. Very sad. " The post also noted the couple already had one son named Hank.

Colleagues and fellow journalists posted messages of shock and grief. One friend wrote, "Absolutely devastated to hear the news of the passing of my friend Wes Rucker in a car wreck in Knoxville. Wes was the heart of Tennessee sports coverage in my mind and a wonderful man. He loved his family, friends and the Vols. " Another said, "This is such sad news. Wes worked so hard. He always talked so much about his family. Prayers with them. " These tributes were shared on social platforms on Thursday night following the crash.

Career notes and recent work

Public accounts of his career say wes rucker had covered Tennessee athletics for many years and worked as a senior writer from 2011 to 2025. He joined a Knoxville television station in August 2025 and began hosting a streaming show and podcast called 10 at 3 in November 2025; earlier posts note he hosted other local sports programs and podcasts during his career. Those career milestones were cited by colleagues remembering his work on Thursday.

The Knoxville Police Department continues to investigate the five-vehicle collision on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road and has said the driver's identity had not been released; family posts and public tributes identifying wes rucker followed as the community reacted to the fatal crash.