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SWBTATTReg

(26,342 posts)
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 03:04 PM 7 hrs ago

Riverfront Times founder Ray Hartmann killed in I-64 crash caused by semitruck tire

Source: https://www.ksdk.com/

Riverfront Times founder Ray Hartmann killed in I-64 crash caused by semitruck tire

Ray Hartmann, the founder of the Riverfront Times and a fixture on the KETC politics show "Donnybrook", was killed in a crash on Thursday caused by a semitruck tire on Interstate 64. Hartmann was 73.

Ray Hartmann, the founder of the Riverfront Times and a fixture on the KETC politics show "Donnybrook", was killed in a crash on Thursday caused by a semitruck tire on Interstate 64. Hartmann was 73. In a statement to 5 On Your Side, Hartmann's wife, Kerri, said, “It’s such a tragic loss. He was dearly loved. We’re going to miss him so much.”

Hartmann founded the Riverfront Times in 1976 and remained with the alternative weekly publication for more than 20 years. In 1994, he relaunched St. Louis Magazine and remained CEO and owner until he sold it in 2018. His reach expanded beyond print starting in 1987 on the Nine PBS political commentary show "Donnybrook." He was a mainstay on the show for nearly 40 years. He joined KTRS in 2019, where he hosted "St. Louis In The Know With Ray Hartmann."

In 2024, he pulled back from local media to run for Congress in Missouri's 2nd district. He won the democratic primary, but lost to incumbent Ann Wagner in November of 2024. "I am so deeply saddened to hear that Ray Hartmann was killed in a car accident yesterday," Wagner said in a social media post. "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. I am praying for Ray and his family during this tragic time."

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/riverfront-times-founder-ray-hartmann-killed-in-i-64-crash-caused-by-semitruck-tire/ar-AA21EhWv?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=69eb9bb5d6154d62917e4bb2d3ffab26&ei=10



I enjoyed reading the Riverfront Times here in STLMO. It was a staple every Wednesday to grab a copy, and read from cover to cover. Donnybrook, the TV analysis show along w/ 3 other local commentators was on every weekend too.

RIP.
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Riverfront Times founder Ray Hartmann killed in I-64 crash caused by semitruck tire (Original Post) SWBTATTReg 7 hrs ago OP
RIP Mr. Hartmann... wcmagumba 7 hrs ago #1
Yeah, it is a surprising event, one that you wouldn't think that in a brief couple of seconds, you're gone due to SWBTATTReg 7 hrs ago #2
Condolences to his family FemDemERA 5 hrs ago #3
Sad wildflowergardener 3 hrs ago #4
I ❤️STL. Sorry to hear this sad news. reACTIONary 1 hr ago #5
I never heard of him until now, but the paper was a great local asset LT Barclay 1 hr ago #6

wcmagumba

(6,452 posts)
1. RIP Mr. Hartmann...
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 03:09 PM
7 hrs ago


Many years ago I was driving my small car (Mercury Bobcat) on a Dallas area interstate and saw one of those huge semi tires fall off of a truck...It went rolling down the highway and veered off across a field towards some houses...I never heard if anyone was injured by it...Very scary...This was before cell phones so I had no way to call and report this...

SWBTATTReg

(26,342 posts)
2. Yeah, it is a surprising event, one that you wouldn't think that in a brief couple of seconds, you're gone due to
Fri Apr 24, 2026, 03:14 PM
7 hrs ago

an errant tire loose on the highway. Goes to show one that a car (being inside one) doesn't really help one either.

In your situation w/ the loose tire you saw, I guess call the highway patrol...I wouldn't know who to call either!

In any event, be safe and alert out there and best wishes to you.

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