ESPN personality Laura Rutledge is mourning the loss of fellow sports reporter Christina Chambers, who died in an apparent murder-suicide on December 16, 2025. Chambers, aged 38, and her husband, Johnny Rimes, 41, were discovered unresponsive at their home in Hoover, Alabama, with gunshot wounds. A family member made the tragic discovery on Tuesday morning, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
As the investigation unfolds, police have not released details regarding the circumstances leading to the deaths, which are currently classified as a murder-suicide. Remarkably, the couple’s three-year-old son was unharmed during the incident.
A Dedicated Career in Sports Journalism
Chambers had a notable career in sports journalism, having worked for the Birmingham-based affiliate WBRC6 from 2015 until 2021. After her marriage to Rimes, she transitioned to a teaching role, where she advised high school students on television and film. However, she continued to freelance as a sideline reporter during the 2025 football season, maintaining her connection to sports.
Upon news of Chambers’ passing, Rutledge expressed her sorrow on social media, recalling Chambers’ kind nature. “Absolutely awful. She was always so sweet. Heartbroken,” Rutledge wrote on X.
Chambers joined WBRC6 in November 2015, covering collegiate and local high school football across Alabama and Georgia. Her colleagues described her as a dedicated journalist with a strong work ethic. In a statement to ABC 33/40, WBRC6 honored Chambers, stating, “Christina was a valued member of our newsroom and a beloved colleague whose warmth, humor, and passion for sports left a lasting impact on everyone who worked with her.”
“Christina was an accomplished journalist and athlete who brought energy, professionalism, and genuine care to her work.”
Community Impact and Investigation Continues
Chambers was known for her deep connections to the University of Alabama Birmingham and local high school sports. Following her passing, the community has rallied to remember her contributions and support her family during this difficult time.
Rimes, according to his LinkedIn profile, had been employed as a financial analyst at the American Case Iron Pipe Company for nearly 14 years. The ongoing investigation into the couple’s deaths aims to uncover the details surrounding this tragic event.
The news of Chambers’ death has sent shockwaves through the sports journalism community, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals in high-pressure professions. As condolences continue to pour in, both Rutledge and Chambers’ colleagues emphasize the importance of mental health awareness in the industry.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, providing insight into the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking incident.
