Who was Ben Kredich? University of Tennessee swimming director’s son killed in DUI hit-and-run
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE: Ben Kredich, a 24-year-old disability advocate and the son of University of Tennessee's Director of Swimming & Diving Matt Kredich, was struck and killed by an impaired driver near campus on Monday, August 21.
According to WATE, the incident occurred just after 4 pm. Kredich was walking along Kingston Pike when he was hit by a car driven by 44-year-old Shannon Walker. He was declared dead at the scene.
Drugs found in Shannon Walker's car
The driver, Shannon Walker, is facing serious charges including vehicular homicide and DUI. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have discovered various narcotics, including suspected heroin, in Walker's car.
Following the conclusion of his swimming career in 2017, Kredich became an active advocate for individuals with disabilities within the Knoxville community.
He was involved in the FUTURES program at the University of Tennessee, which allowed students with developmental disabilities to continue their education beyond high school, albeit without on-campus housing privileges.
Concerned about this limitation, Ben and his mother, Kim Kredich, championed "Ben's Bill" or SB 0516, which aimed to provide students in similar programs across Tennessee with access to on-campus housing.
This advocacy paid off when the bill passed in 2019, prohibiting educational programs from withholding residential housing based on a student's participation in such programs.
Ben graduated from FUTURES Program in 2021
While his life was tragically cut short, Ben's impact has been profound. He graduated from the FUTURES program in 2021, leaving behind a legacy marked by advocacy, empathy, and the pursuit of a more inclusive community.
Emma Burgin, coordinator for the program, highlighted Kredich's instrumental role in establishing the independent living program.
Tennessee swimming and diving team offers condolences
The Tennessee Swimming and Diving team issued a statement expressing condolences and support for the Kredich family.
Danny White, Vice-Chancellor/Director of Athletics, Tennessee Swimming and Diving, said, “Our Tennessee swimming & diving family is heartbroken following the tragic loss of Matt and Kim’s son, Ben. We offer our prayers, support and presence to lift up the Kredich family amidst our collective sorrow and grief."
"We know the entire University of Tennessee community joins us in mourning and memorializing a beautiful soul who touched many, many lives and will never be forgotten," he added.
Tyler Fenwick, the associate head coach at the University of Virginia, took to Instagram to share his memories of Ben Kredich and conveyed his condolences to the Kredich family.
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Amber Carmody, who served as a mentor for Ben in the FUTURES program, also discussed his influence on fellow students.
“Being able to again and again make more accessible pathways for other students,” she said. “When other students have the ability to be those path pavers, he cheered them on the whole time and supported them throughout the time. He had that ‘whatever I can do’ attitude.”