RIP Wes Rucker

#101
#101
GetEmVols said:
My first emotion of course leads to anger because it appears he was just stuck in traffic and some moron rear ended someone because people can’t drive and stay off their phone more than likely.

Rest easy, Wes. I hurt for the mother, children, and soon to be born child. Awful world we live in.
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I'm right there with you on the anger. It sounds to me like it almost had to be a lifted truck that hit him. Those idiotic things and the people who drive them need to be off the road.
 
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#102
#102
kiddiedoc said:
My daily commute doesn't involve I-40/75, but I've had to use it more in the past month for various reasons. Drivers are incredibly careless and reckless: driving way over the speed limit, tailgating, swerving lanes, and visibly on their phones. I was nearly run off the road by a couple of lifted pickups when trying to get to Children's hospital in the snow and ice.

I lost a patient in a similar accident last year.

Please be considerate of others and respect the dangers of aggressive driving. This is a reminder that you can literally destroy entire families if you aren't.
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Phones are a greater risk to driving accidents than alcohol. See it every time I drive someone has phone in hand. And I’ve been guilty on occasion.
 
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#105
#105
Clad in Big Orange said:
Phones are a greater risk to driving accidents than alcohol. See it every time I drive someone has phone in hand. And I’ve been guilty on occasion.
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Driving is the greatest risk most of us take on every day. People who don’t appreciate that are likely the ones paying the least attention to what is around them.

I suspect that the emotions behind road rage are generally warranted, while the actions of road rage are not. Distracted driving is worse than drunk driving, in my opinion. Followed closely by discourteous driving. Allowing faster traffic to pass and keeping your eyes on the road would prevent most accidents.
 
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#107
#107
kiddiedoc said:
My daily commute doesn't involve I-40/75, but I've had to use it more in the past month for various reasons. Drivers are incredibly careless and reckless: driving way over the speed limit, tailgating, swerving lanes, and visibly on their phones. I was nearly run off the road by a couple of lifted pickups when trying to get to Children's hospital in the snow and ice.

I lost a patient in a similar accident last year.

Please be considerate of others and respect the dangers of aggressive driving. This is a reminder that you can literally destroy entire families if you aren't.
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My sister was in that traffic jam. She's very religious and spiritual. Said she knew something bad had happened. Unreal.
 
#109
#109
mrmax86 said:
I remember reading his fantastic articles in the Chattanooga Times Free Press when I lived there. I, like many others I'm sure, have probably been following him for over 15 years on social media and have read I would estimate 10,000+ of his Tweets. He stood up for what he believed in, called things like he saw them, and embraced #VolNation at our best and at our worst. He and his wife have been through so much with their oldest son Hank, through countless surgeries and procedures in his young life, and are expecting their second child now. I'd have him on my Mount Rushmore of UT Beat Writers. So tragic and sad. My heart is heavy.

I hope we can keep alive his tradition of calling Neyland Stadium "General Neyland's Big Ol' Damn House of Football", and that Barnes takes an honorary timeout for him at the end of the 1st half at our next game. IYKYK.

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Wes, if you're up there pal. I joked about you holding that fish incorrectly bru. Sorry about that. You were a good dude, and Dad.

Hope you're family on Earth is well, and safe.
 
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#114
#114
kiddiedoc said:
My daily commute doesn't involve I-40/75, but I've had to use it more in the past month for various reasons. Drivers are incredibly careless and reckless: driving way over the speed limit, tailgating, swerving lanes, and visibly on their phones. I was nearly run off the road by a couple of lifted pickups when trying to get to Children's hospital in the snow and ice.

I lost a patient in a similar accident last year.

Please be considerate of others and respect the dangers of aggressive driving. This is a reminder that you can literally destroy entire families if you aren't.
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I stopped using the interstate for my commute and just take the highway. No one can put their phones down while speeding and tailgating. The risk isn't worth the 5 minutes I would save.

This is devastating news. Wes has been my go-to for Vols news on Twitter since I can remember. I feel like I know his family even though I don't. This one hits pretty hard. RIP.
 
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#115
#115
Godfatha said:
This hits hard for a guy I didn't know. I can't imagine what his young family is going through, and i hope they find comfort.

I avoid west Knoxville like the plague. Too much traffic, too many people following too close, weaving in and out of traffic, on their phones, you name it.
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This has really gotten me. I couldn’t sleep last night thinking about how horrible this is. There’s a lot of symmetry that I see with Wes and myself . We’re both 43. We were both at UT at the same time, we both have overcome serious medical issues that were followed by having children, my son is the same age as his, I have a little girl and his wife is due with their first daughter in May. He wore his love for his family on his sleeve and those that know me know that I do the same. I can’t imagine the sadness and grief they are dealing with and the idea that he’ll never hug his wife or tuck in his son for bed or meet his daughter is something that is just eating at me. It’s so sad and it’s hard to understand God’s plan sometimes .
 
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#116
#116
EZE said:
Terrible.

I always enjoyed reading his post game analyses. I thought he was fair and measured.
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people gave him grief all the time on social media. He reported the news whether people liked it or not. Respect for that. 2 kids that will have no real memories of their father. Incredibly sad. Never take a day that you wake up alive for granted.
 
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#119
#119
Like most here, I always thought Wes was a professional and a great reporter. I never met Wes personally, but I marched with his wife in the Pride of the Southland back in 07. I can’t imagine what she is going through right now.

It’s not a go fund me but a meal train fundraiser has been set up to help so far.

www.mealtrain.com

Meal Train for The Rucker Family

Lauren, Hank, and Baby Rucker experienced a tragic loss this week. Please help rally around the family and provide support as they mourn and work to move forward.
www.mealtrain.com www.mealtrain.com

Please donate if you feel inclined.

RIP Wes
 
#120
#120
43 - much, much too young.
Didn't always agree with his take, but he reported it fairly and honestly with good insights.

He will be deeply be missed by the community. Prayers for the family and friends.
 
#121
#121
#123
#123
There are way too many distracted idiots on the road who don't understand how much power/energy they control when driving multi-ton vehicles. Condolences to his family.
 
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