A respected Missouri journalist with decades of experience in local news has died in a freak accident after two tires from a tractor-trailer crashed into his car. Ray Hartmann, 73, was driving on Interstate 64 near I-270 in St. Louis last Thursday afternoon when the tires flew off the other vehicle, soared through the air, and plunged through the roof of his car, striking him.
Details of the Incident
Hartmann's longtime friend and attorney, Andy Leonard, confirmed that the journalist died at the scene. 'The news covered the accident last night, and I can confirm that Ray was in his car when a tire crashed through his windshield,' Leonard said in a statement. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and no further details have been released.
A Legacy in Journalism
Hartmann was widely known as the founder of local publications The Riverfront Times and St. Louis Magazine. He also co-founded the PBS show Donnybrook, which airs on affiliate channel PBS Nine, and was a staple of the program for nearly 40 years. The channel paid tribute to him on their website, stating they were 'shocked and deeply saddened' to learn of his death.
'Ray was a cornerstone of St. Louis journalism and a foundational voice of Donnybrook, but most of all, he was our beloved friend,' the channel said. '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. As a co-creator of the program in 1987, Ray helped establish Donnybrook, earning a devoted audience and national recognition as one of the most-watched local public affairs programs in the country.'
Tributes from Colleagues
Donnybrook host Charlie Brennan said Hartmann's departure was 'too soon.' '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,' Brennan added. Matt Coen, the owner of St. Louis Magazine, said, 'Ray's impact as an entrepreneur, as the founder of the Riverfront Times, as a defender of the First Amendment, and as someone deeply invested in the best parts of politics and civic engagement was an inspiration.'
Sarah Fenske, executive editor of the magazine, called him 'an excellent writer and an even better talker,' adding that 'his death is truly a shock to the community.'
Political Aspirations and Personal Life
In addition to his journalistic and television work, Hartmann ran for Congress in Missouri's 2nd District in 2024. He won the Democratic primary but ultimately lost to incumbent Republican Representative Ann Wagner. He is survived by his wife, Kerri, and his two children, Brielle and Ben. Kerri told local media, 'This is such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We're going to miss him so much.'
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
