Ray Hartmann, a longtime journalist from St. Louis, has sadly passed away at 73. Ray was reportedly driving eastbound on the I-64 in St. Louis when two tires came loose from a tractor-trailer in front of him. They both struck his car around 2 pm local time.
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Unfortunately, Ray died at the scene of the accident. Andy Leonard, Ray's long-time friend and attorney, issued a statement following the confirmation of Ray's death.
"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.
Ray's wife, Kerri Hartmann, also provided a short statement following the loss of her husband.
"It's such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We're going to miss him so much," she said.
Ray had been a key part of St. Louis journalism for almost 40 years. He began with the written word before eventually moving into an on-camera role.
"He took a step back from the media in 2024 to run for Congress in Missouri's 2nd District, he won the Democratic primary but lost to incumbent Ann Wagner," The New York Post reports.
Tributes for Ray Hartmann Have Flooded Social Media
Following the news of Ray's death, tributes began to flood social media.
"Feeling very sad ... and a little sick upon hearing the news abt Ray Hartmann ... lucky to know him ... to be a small part of @DonnybrookStl with him ... join him on the radio ... and cover his campaign for Congress," Andy Banker, a longtime TV journalist out of St. Louis, wrote on X. "He loved St. Louis ... we loved him back."
Congresswoman Ann Wagner also posted a statement to X, following the news of Ray's passing.
"I am so deeply saddened to hear that Ray Hartmann was killed in a car accident yesterday," Wagner wrote. "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."
There have been no details regarding Ray's impending funeral. That information will likely remain private.
