Wes Rucker, longtime Tennessee sports reporter, dies at 43 after Knoxville crash

wes rucker, a longtime sports reporter who covered University of Tennessee athletics, died in a car crash in Knoxville on Feb. 19. He was 43. Authorities say he was the only fatality in a multivehicle collision on Interstate 40 West near Cedar Bluff, and an investigation is underway.

Crash details and ongoing investigation

A Knoxville Police Department news release described a chain-reaction collision that began when a driver rear-ended a stopped vehicle on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff. That initial impact set off a sequence of collisions that ended when a large pickup truck ran over one of the cars involved. Rucker was pronounced dead at the scene and police are investigating the causes and circumstances of the crash.

Wes Rucker's career and coverage

Rucker had covered Tennessee athletics since 2000, beginning while he was a student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Over more than two decades on the Vols beat, he worked for multiple media outlets and later took roles that included writing and hosting for a local television station in Knoxville. He also hosted radio shows and podcasts focused on the Vols and college sports.

Colleagues and followers often noted his wit and reporting style. Rucker publicly chronicled a serious health scare in 2015—a stroke at age 32 that left him with partial paralysis and migraine headaches—which he discussed while continuing to write and cover the sports he loved. He slowly recovered and remained active in coverage and community engagement.

Family and community response

Rucker's father-in-law, David Goldberg, confirmed the death in a social media post, saying the family was heartbroken. Rucker was a husband and father; he and his wife had announced on Dec. 31 that they were expecting a second child, a baby girl due in May. He frequently shared personal moments publicly, including stories about his son, Hank, and his dog.

Tributes and condolences quickly appeared from media colleagues, Tennessee athletics figures and fans. Tennessee's men's basketball coach expressed heartbreak and offered prayers for Rucker's family at a media availability the day following the crash.

What happens next

Investigators will continue to examine the collision, review any available evidence and release findings when appropriate. Officials have not publicly confirmed additional details about the identities of other drivers, any potential charges or a timeline for completing the investigation. The family and the local community are awaiting additional information and funeral arrangements.

Key takeaways

• wes rucker, 43, died in a multivehicle crash on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff on Feb. 19.
• The crash began with a rear-end collision and ended with a large pickup truck running over one car; Rucker was the only fatality.
• Police are investigating; further details have not been publicly confirmed.