St. Louis journalist Ray Hartmann killed in freak accident on Missouri highway

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KTVI) – Ray Hartmann, a St. Louis journalist and former Missouri Congressional candidate, was killed in a freak highway accident in Missouri on Thursday. Hartmann was the founder of The Riverfront Times and a key figure in the Nine PBS program "Donnybrook," leaving behind a decades-long legacy in journalism and broadcasting. Nexstar's KTVI confirmed last week that Hartmann was killed Thursday afternoon in a crash on I-64. A sergeant with the Missouri State Highway Patrol told Nexstar that the fatal accident took place after two tires came off a semi-trailer, and Hartmann's vehicle was struck as he was traveling along the interstate. “It’s such a tragic loss," Hartmann's wife Kerri said in a statement shared with local outlet KSDK. "He was dearly loved. We’re going to miss him so much.” Hartmann's family asked for privacy and thanked the doctors at Mercy hospital in St. Louis, per a statement released by longtime friend and attorney Andy Leonard. Hartmann helped launch “Donnybrook” in 1987, a show known for its lively debates among local pundits. The program remains on-air today, hosted by Charlie Brennan. “It’s amazing by broadcast standards,” Brennan said. “And a lot of that credit has to be given to Ray.” Hartmann became widely recognized for his spirited on-air exchanges, including frequent debates with fellow panelist Bill McClellan. "My wife would watch the show and she’d say to me, 'Why do you argue with Ray?'” McClellan said. Hartmann’s journalism career began in the 1970s when he founded the Riverfront Times. Though known for his outspoken television presence, colleagues said he was quiet and reserved off-camera. He later helped revive St. Louis Magazine and hosted a KTRS radio show with Jay Kanzler. "Ray was a ferociously loyal friend and dedicated father," Kanzler said. "He was not content watching from the sidelines; he believed people could change the world and was ready to lead the charge."Hartmann also mounted a bid for Congress in 2024 against Missouri U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner. Running as a Democrat, Hartmann won the primary, but fell short in the general election for Missouri's 2nd District U.S. House of Representatives seat. McClellan said Hartmann was fearless in his writing. After leaving Donnybrook for his congressional bid, he continued to write on a Substack. “He would criticize powerful people, popular people, whoever kind of fell into Ray’s radar. Ray would be willing to look at and go, I think that’s wrong, and I think I’ll write about it,” he said. Friends and colleagues said Hartmann’s passion for journalism was matched only by his devotion to his family. “He had a wedding that the Great Gatsby would have admired,” McClellan said. “Ray rented a train, and we went from Union Station to Kimmswick.” Brennan said Hartmann’s personality off-air contrasted sharply with his on-air persona. “He was so vocal on 'Donnybrook.' For God’s sake, you couldn’t shut the guy up,” Brennan said. “But off the air, he was caring, talked about his kids, bragged about his kids. He was so proud of his boy and his girl, and he was a great dad.” Hartmann also previously served on the boards of the American Civil Liberties Union and Starkoff Disability Institute. He is survived by his wife, Kerri, and two children, Ben and Brielle.