A veteran journalist from St. Louis lost his life in an unusual accident on Thursday when two tires detached from a tractor-trailer and crashed through the roof of his car.
Ray Hartmann, a well-known figure in local media, was 73 years old. He was traveling east on I-64 near I-270 in St. Louis around 2 p.m. when two tires from a tractor-trailer ahead of him became airborne and struck the roof of his vehicle, according to KMOV, citing the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Hartmann was pronounced dead at the site of the accident, as confirmed in a statement by his long-time friend and attorney, Andy Leonard, according to 5 On Your Side.
“The news covered the accident last night, and I can confirm that Ray was in his car when a tire crashed through his windshield. We believe that he died at the scene,” Leonard said in the statement.
He is survived by his wife, Kerri Hartmann, and their two children, Ben and Brielle, who were each away at college at the time of the accident.
“It’s such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We’re going to miss him so much,” Kerri Hartmann told 5 On Your Side in a statement.
Hartmann was a beloved figure in the St. Louis media scene for nearly 40 years, initially making his mark in print journalism before transitioning to television.
He was the founder of the Riverfront Times and St. Louis Magazine and spent almost four decades on Nine PBS’ debate show, “Donnybrook,” which he co-founded in 1987.
In 2024, he took a break from the media to run for Congress in Missouri’s 2nd District. He won the Democratic primary but was defeated by Ann Wagner, as reported by 5 On Your Side.
“His departure was too soon,” said Charlie Brennan, Hartmann’s long-term friend and host of “Donnybrook.”
“I think he had books to write, columns to write, causes to champion, and I’m very sorry that he’s not going to be around to get to those,” he said.
Fellow panellist Alvin Reid said that the late journalist was determined to make a difference in the Gateway City, no matter what show he was on.
“Ray was determined to make a difference in St. Louis. He wanted to make a difference on every show,” Reid said.
“As long as we do this show, Ray will be a part of this show and a part of St. Louis,” he said.
Even with his illustrious and accomplished career, Hartmann’s colleagues remembered him first and foremost as a proud husband and father.
“I’m already missing him,” Reid said. “I really do feel like I’m talking about Ray in the present. I can’t believe I’m talking about Ray in the past. That hasn’t really hit me yet.”
The investigation into Thursday’s fatal crash remains ongoing.
