Tegna Sportscaster Killed in Car Crash

Veteran sports journalist Wes Rucker, a prominent voice in Southeast collegiate athletics and a senior writer for 247Sports and CBS, died Thursday, Feb. 19, following a car accident on I-40 in Knoxville. He was 43.

Authorities confirmed Rucker was the sole fatality in the crash near Cedar Bluff.

Rucker’s career spanned more than two decades, beginning in 2000 as a student journalist at the University of Tennessee’s The Daily Beacon.

In 2011, Rucker joined 247Sports and CBS as a senior writer. His reach extended to national audiences through frequent appearances on the Paul Finebaum Show and various SEC Network programs. Most recently, he joined Tegna’s NBC affiliate WBIR (Knoxville) in August 2025, where he launched and hosted the daily videocast 10 at 3 with Wes Rucker.

Known for a candid and unapologetic reporting style, Rucker earned multiple state and national Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) awards.

WBIR News Director Corey Presley released the following statement regarding Rucker’s passing:

"Wes brought an undeniable energy to our newsroom, and we are honored to call him a colleague and a friend. His passion for sports journalism had a tremendous impact on our newsroom, our community and the teams, leagues and athletes he followed and covered. While Wes’ death is a tremendous loss for our colleagues and community, it is most difficult for his wife and young family. Our thoughts are with them, and everyone who loved him. We offer our support, prayers and comfort to them during this incredibly difficult time."

Rucker is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their son, Hank. The family is also expecting a daughter this spring. Through WBIR, Lauren Rucker expressed her gratitude for the national outpouring of support, describing her husband as an extraordinary father and dedicated friend.