Tony Vitello comments on the tragic passing of Knoxville journalist Wes Rucker
Former Tennessee coach Tony Vitello commented on the tragic passing of Knoxville-based journalist Wes Rucker.
San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello, who is in his first MLB spring training after coaching the Tennessee Vols for eight seasons, commented Saturday on the tragic passing of Knoxville-based journalist Wes Rucker.
Rucker covered Tennessee athletics for a quarter century, working for outlets such as the Chattanooga Times Free Press, 247Sports, and most recently WBIR. He tragically passed away at 43 on Feb 19 after being involved in a car accident on Interstate 40 near Cedar Bluff.
Vitello shared some words about Rucker on Saturday after the Giants’ spring training game against the Seattle Mariners.
“Wes was unbelievable at his job, but he was a better person,” said Vitello (via the San Francisco Standard’s John Shea). “He was always good to be around, and I think he helped me, whether he knew it or not, in my job. Tough when there’s a family left behind, more than anything. He was a good soul.”
Rucker leaves behind a wife, Lauren, a son, Hank, and a daughter who is due in May.
Rick Barnes offers support to the Rucker family
Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes, who shared some thoughts on Rucker last Friday, offered support for the family on Saturday night after the Vols’ win against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
“Before we leave, again, I’d like to ask you all to remember Wes Rucker and his family,” said Barnes. “I would encourage you all to encourage people to go to the GoFundMe account. We know that Wes wasn’t able to get life insurance due to a stroke he had years ago, and leaving behind a beautiful wife, a son, and a daughter on the way. Wes was a special person. We’re all colleagues in this. And I would just encourage you to get people to go help the family right now, they need it. And certainly tonight, before you close your eyes, say a prayer for him and his family. God bless.”
Here’s the link to the GoFundMe to support Wes Rucker’s family.
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