Longtime influential journalist Ray Hartmann was killed in a freak accident in Missouri after two tires flew off a tractor-trailer and crashed into his car. Hartmann, 73, was driving on Interstate 64 on Thursday at around 2 p.m. when two tires pierced the roof of his vehicle, striking and killing him. Investigators determined the tires had detached from a tractor-trailer, hit the median, and then soared into the air before crashing onto Hartmann's car, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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Hartmann was a well-known figure in St. Louis, having founded the Riverfront Times and St. Louis Magazine. He also spent nearly 40 years as a panelist on PBS's Donnybrook, a local public affairs program he co-created in 1987. PBS affiliate Nine PBS released a statement expressing shock and deep sadness at his death, calling him a cornerstone of St. Louis journalism and a foundational voice of the show.
Charlie Brennan, a fellow Donnybrook panelist, told WVLT that he and Hartmann were like brothers. "He was a character, a character we all loved," Brennan said. Hartmann's wife, Kerri, told KSDK: "It's such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We're going to miss him so much."
Outpouring of Tributes
Matt Coen, owner of St. Louis Magazine, praised Hartmann's impact as an entrepreneur and defender of the First Amendment. "He believed deeply in the role local journalism could play in making a city better," Coen said. Sarah Fenske, executive editor of the magazine, described Hartmann as a smart, feisty man who relished journalism's role in afflicting the comfortable.
Denise Lieberman, a Washington University law professor, recalled meeting Hartmann in high school and working with him on various causes. "Ray was a long-time friend and community legend," she wrote on Facebook. Bryon DeLear of Sustainable Equity LLC highlighted Hartmann's advocacy for clean energy and fairness, noting his absence will leave a gaping hole in St. Louis thought leadership.
A Reminder of Road Dangers
Nick Chibarria of AAA called the incident a tragic reminder of the dangers of the road. "It's pretty unusual and no other way to describe it other than a freak accident," he said. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Hartmann is survived by his wife, Kerri, and his children, Brielle and Ben.
