Law and Crime
Tennessee sports reporter Wes Rucker dies at 43 in car accident
February 20, 2026
Summary
Wes Rucker, a longtime Tennessee sports reporter who covered the University of Tennessee Volunteers, died Thursday at age 43 following a car accident. Colleagues and readers have shared tributes remembering his work.
Key Facts
- Rucker was 43 years old at the time of his death
- He was a longtime reporter covering University of Tennessee athletics
- He died in a car accident on Thursday, February 19
Context
Rucker was a well-known figure in Tennessee sports journalism, having covered the Volunteers for many years. His reporting earned him a dedicated readership among fans of the program.
The circumstances surrounding the accident have not been detailed. Fellow journalists and members of the Tennessee sports community have expressed condolences following news of his death.