Sports World Mourns Tragic Deaths of Two Beloved Reporters

Wes Rucker of WBIR and Joey Knight of Tampa Bay Times passed away in separate incidents

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The college sports world suffered two major losses on February 20, 2026, with the deaths of beloved reporters Wes Rucker and Joey Knight. Rucker, who worked for WBIR in Knoxville, Tennessee, died in a five-vehicle crash on I-40 West. Hours later, the Tampa Bay Times announced that respected sports writer Joey Knight, who covered the South Florida Bulls and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. The news was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from colleagues and fans.

Why it matters

Rucker and Knight were highly respected figures in their local sports communities, known for their integrity, insight, and genuine passion for the teams and athletes they covered. Their deaths are a major loss for the sports journalism industry and the fans they served.

The details

On the morning of February 20, the Knoxville Police Department confirmed that Wes Rucker, a reporter for WBIR, was the driver who died in a five-vehicle crash on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road. Hours later, the Tampa Bay Times announced that Joey Knight, a longtime sports writer for the newspaper, had passed away at the age of 57 after a two-year battle with cancer.

  • On February 20, 2026, Wes Rucker died in a five-vehicle crash on I-40 West near Cedar Bluff Road in Knoxville, Tennessee.
  • Also on February 20, 2026, Joey Knight, a sports writer for the Tampa Bay Times, passed away at the age of 57 after a two-year battle with cancer.

The players

Wes Rucker

A reporter who worked for WBIR in Knoxville, Tennessee, and previously covered the University of Tennessee for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, 247Sports, and CBS.

Joey Knight

A longtime sports writer for the Tampa Bay Times who covered the South Florida Bulls and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of Wes Rucker and Joey Knight, two highly respected sports journalists, have left a profound impact on their local communities and the broader sports media landscape. Their legacies will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of reporters who strive to uphold the same standards of excellence, integrity, and passion for their craft.