Ben Kredich Obituary: A Brutal Death That Shook The UT Community

Publish date: 2024-03-16

Ben Kredich obituary honors his memory by cherishing the precious moments we have with our loved ones and living life to the fullest.

The world is a fickle and unpredictable place, and sometimes, tragedy strikes even the brightest and the best among us. 

The University of Tennessee community was recently left reeling from the untimely death of Ben Kredich, son of Tennessee Director of Swimming & Diving Matt Kredich. 

Ben was a young man brimming with life and potential, who had participated in UT FUTURE.

His death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of his loved ones, friends, and the wider UT community.

Who Was Ben Kredich?

Ben Kredich was a 24-year-old young man with a passion for life and an infectious zest for living. 

He was the son of Matt Kredich, the director of swimming and diving at the University of Tennessee, and had grown up in a family that was immersed in the world of sports. 

Ben himself had participated in swimming at an early age and excelled in the sport, thanks in no small part to his father’s unwavering support and encouragement.

But Ben was much more than a sportsman. 

He was a person who had a deep love for all forms of self-expression, and this was reflected in his participation in UT FUTURE. 

It is a program that helped individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn the skills they needed to live independent lives. 

Ben was a committed member of this program and had won the hearts of his fellow participants and mentors with his kindness, humor, and boundless enthusiasm.

Terrible news at the capitol.

Rep. Johnson announced the passing of Ben Kredich. We met him while he was fighting to save his bus route.

Ben, the very young man who depended on advocacy, showed us how to be an advocate for ourselves.

My prayers are with his loving family. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/STojAh6aSZ

— Gwendolyn Ducre (@GwendolynGabs) August 22, 2023

How Did Ben Kredich Die?

According to the police department, Ben Kredich was walking on a sidewalk near the University of Tennessee campus.

When a car that was initially traveling east on Kingston Pike ran off the road and struck him. 

The driver, Shannon Walker, was later identified as an impaired motorist whom American Medical Response had previously treated after being found unresponsive in his vehicle.

The arrest report states that AMR administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and Walker was then taken to a local hospital.

He was discharged around 3:20 p.m., according to court records.

Officers searched Walker’s car and found various narcotics, including suspected heroin, on his person. 

Due to the circumstances, the narcotics found, and the crash resulting in a death, a search warrant was issued for a blood draw, according to police.

Ben Kredich Obituary

The death of Ben Kredich was announced on August 21, 2023. Ben was hit and killed by an impaired motorist while walking near the University of Tennessee campus. 

The driver, Shannon Walker, was facing several charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI.

The accident happened around 4 p.m., and Ben was pronounced dead at the scene. His tragic passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the wider UT community.

As we try to come to terms with this immense loss, we remember Ben as a beautiful soul who touched the lives of many people and left a lasting legacy of kindness, compassion, and joy.

Ben Kredich Knoxville

Ben Kredich was more than just a name; he was a beacon of joy and an advocate for those with special needs. 

Hailing from Knoxville, Ben’s impact extended far beyond his years. 

Knox News had profiled him for his family’s advocacy efforts in helping students navigate the complexities of the unique education system. 

His journey towards independent living and his passion for playing the piano at assisted living centers were proved by his determination and love for making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Remembering Ben Kredich

Ben Kredich’s untimely death has deeply impacted the UT community and beyond. 

His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. 

Ben’s life was a reminder of the potential for kindness, compassion, and joy even in the face of challenges. 

He was a young man full of promise and potential, who had touched many people’s lives with his kindness, humor, and boundless enthusiasm for life. 

As we grapple with his loss, let us unite in honoring his memory by advocating for responsible choices and fostering a safer community. 

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