A Tennessee TV reporter has died in a tragic car accident, leaving behind his pregnant wife and their four-year-old child.
Sports host Wes Rucker, 43, was the only known casualty in a five-vehicle crash on the I-40 West in Knoxville which unfolded just before 5pm on Thursday.
Rucker was a devoted father to his son, Hank, and husband to Lauren, whom he posted a tribute to shortly before his death.
Happy Valentine's Day to my Forever Valentine -- a 5-foot-10 statue of perfection whose existence is the reason I regret nothing in my life, because every step in that life led me to her.
— Wes Rucker (@wesruckerTBA) February 15, 2026
I love you. I'm sorry I covered three games today. pic.twitter.com/Aihh1FmidG
'I love you. I'm sorry I covered three games today.'
Rucker announced in December that he and his wife were expecting another child, a baby girl, in May.
He was renowned in the community for covering all manner of sports for the University of Tennessee, having reported on Tennessee Athletics since 2000, according to Penn Live.
Rucker spent his 25-plus-year career at multiple outlets, including 247Sports and the Chattanooga Times Free Press, per his LinkedIn.
Wes Rucker was survived by his pregnant wife Lauren Hugg and their son Hank
Sports host Rucker, 43, was the only known casualty in a five-vehicle crash on the I-40 West in Knoxville which unfolded just before 5pm on Thursday
He received multiple accolades, including national and state Associated Press Sports Editors Awards.
Rucker also survived a near-fatal stroke at 32 and endured his son's health struggles as Hank underwent multiple kidney surgeries at a young age.
His Tennessee sports social media commentary, play-by-plays and memes became a staple for his 140,000 X followers, reported WBIR.
Rucker had recently launched a daily podcast called 10 at 3 on WBIR Channel 10 at the time of his death.
Just an hour before he was killed, Rucker encouraged his listeners to 'be the example' they want set in the world, reported US Magazine.
'I'm just trying to be the example you want to set in the world,' he said.
'Do not be a hypocrite. My parents did not raise hypocrites. We don't abide by that. We don't tolerate it.'
Rucker was an award winning journalist who covered University of Tennessee sports
In the many tribute to Rucker, many detailed what a devoted husband and father he was
Several reporters, fans and friends posted tributes to Rucker after his shocking death.
SEC Network reporter Alyssa Lang said she was 'heartbroken' at the news of Rucker's accident.
'Heartbroken to hear the news about Wes Rucker. Praying so hard for his wife, children, and loved ones tonight,' she wrote on X on Friday.
University of Tennessee's head basketball coach, Rick Barnes, paid tribute to Rucker at a press conference on Friday.
'We lost a friend and a colleague yesterday,' he said.
'It's heartbreaking, it really is. It's heartbreaking. Our hearts and prayers go out to Lauren, his son, Hank, and the one that's on the way.'
The University of Tennessee baseball team left Rucker's seat in the press box empty for Friday's game as they mourned his death, reported the Knoxville News Sentinel.
Just days before his death, Rucker wrote a loving tribute to his wife, calling her 'a 5-foot-10 statue of perfection'
Family member started a GoFundMe to support Rucker's family, including his unborn daughter, after his death
Rucker's family started a GoFundMe to support his widow, son and unborn daughter after his death.
'Words cannot fully express the pain our family is experiencing,' read the tribute.
'Wes was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and so much more whose greatest joy in life was family.'
The Knoxville Police Department released a statement about the horrifying crash, saying the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
'The investigation has revealed that a vehicle was stopped for traffic when it was rear-ended by another vehicle, resulting in minor damage,' it read.
'Another vehicle then struck the second vehicle, setting off a chain reaction. Seconds later, a large pickup truck ran into and on top of an involved vehicle, fatally injuring the adult male driver of the vehicle it collided with.'
The Daily Mail contacted the Knoxville Police Department for comment.
