The sports world and journalism community are mourning the tragic loss of Ray Hartmann, a beloved St. Louis journalist and former congressional candidate, who died in a freak accident on Thursday. Hartmann, 73, was driving on Interstate 64 when two tires flew off a Volvo VNL semi truck and crashed through the roof of his vehicle.
Emergency responders from West County EMS and Fire rushed him to Mercy Hospital St. Louis, but the injuries proved fatal. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in St. Louis County, leaving friends, colleagues, and fans in shock.
A Legacy in Journalism and Public Service
Hartmann was best known as the founder of The Riverfront Times, a St. Louis alternative weekly that became a cornerstone of local journalism. He also co-founded “Donnybrook,” a long-running public affairs program on Nine PBS, where he was a regular voice for nearly four decades.
“Ray was a cornerstone of St. Louis journalism and a foundational voice of Donnybrook, but most of all, he was our beloved friend,” Nine PBS said in a statement. “For nearly four decades, Ray was at the Donnybrook roundtable, rarely missing a week, delighting viewers with quick-witted and highly opinionated conversations about issues shaping our region.”
In 2024, Hartmann ran for Congress, further cementing his commitment to public service. His campaign focused on community issues, much like his journalism career.
Outpouring of Tributes
U.S. Representative Ann Wagner was among those paying respects. “I am so deeply saddened to hear that Ray Hartmann was killed in a car accident yesterday. Ray was well known across our community as a fixture on Donnybrook and through the numerous news organizations he owned during his career as a journalist,” she said.
Social media also filled with heartfelt messages. One person wrote, “Ray was a good man back in a time where you could have disagreements and still be civil. I worked for one of his publications running the production and art departments for a time. So sorry to hear this and for his family.”
This tragedy adds to a string of recent losses in the sports and media worlds. The NFL community has been stunned by the passing of three beloved figures this offseason, while a beloved 31-year-old football coach was killed in a wrong-way crash earlier this year.
A Life Well Lived
Hartmann’s impact extended beyond journalism. He was a mentor to many, known for his sharp wit and unwavering principles. His death is a reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seem larger than life.
“Our thoughts are with Hartmann’s loved ones. May he rest in peace,” a statement from his family read.
As the community grieves, Hartmann’s legacy as a fearless journalist and dedicated public servant will live on. His voice on Donnybrook and his work at The Riverfront Times will be remembered for generations.
