Ben Kredich, the son of Tennessee Director of Swimming & Diving Matt Kredich, was killed on Monday, August 22, 2023, by an impaired driver who ran off the road and struck him while he was walking on a sidewalk near the University of Tennessee campus. He was 24 years old.
Who was Ben Kredich?
Ben Kredich was a young man who lived with autism and had a passion for music. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in music and played piano in local assisted living centers. He also participated in UT FUTURE, a college program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities that allows them to attend UT Knoxville and learn to live independently.
Biodata
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | Name: Ben Kredich Age: 24 Date of Birth: June 16, 1999 Date of Death: August 21, 2023 Cause of Death: Vehicular homicide Place of Birth: Knoxville, Tennessee Place of Residence: Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Family Information | Father: Matt Kredich, director of swimming and diving at Tennessee Mother: Kim Kredich, choral conductor and founder of Joyful Noise Community Choir Brothers: Miles Kredich and Coleman Kredich, senior at UT majoring in special education |
| Education Information | High School: West High School, Knoxville College: University of Tennessee, Knoxville Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Music, 2021 Program: UT FUTURE program, a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities |
| Career Information | Occupation: Piano player at local assisted living centers Achievements: Composed and performed his own music, played by ear, learned various genres and styles of music, played at various venues such as churches, schools, weddings, and funerals |
| Interests and Hobbies | Music, piano, singing, choir, swimming, movies, books, animals, nature |
| Personality and Character | Friendly, kind, supportive, encouraging, positive, humorous, playful, courageous, independent, resilient, creative, talented |
| Advocacy and Impact | Advocated for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities Inspired many people with his music and his story Mentored and helped other students in the UT FUTURE program Touched many lives with his joy and his gift |
Family
Ben was one of three children of Matt and Kim Kredich. Matt is the head coach of the Tennessee swimming and diving team, and Kim is a choral conductor who has devoted much of her life to working with children with disabilities. Ben is survived by his parents and his brothers Miles and Coleman.
Coleman Kredich said of his older brother
Autism just seems like an adjective. He was always my brother; he wasn’t my brother with autism. He was always a friend; he wasn’t someone’s friend with autism. And that was pretty incredible.
How did Ben Kredich die?
Ben Kredich was walking on Kingston Pike around 3:30 p.m. on Monday when he was hit by a car driven by Shannon Walker, 44, of Maryville, Tennessee. Walker had been previously treated by American Medical Response around 1:55 p.m. after he was found unresponsive in his vehicle.
He was administered Narcan and taken to a local hospital, where he was discharged around 3:20 p.m. Officers found various narcotics, including suspected heroin, in Walker’s car after the crash. Walker has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.
| Date | Time | Location | Victim | Driver | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| August 22, 2023 | 3:30 p.m. | Kingston Pike near UT campus | Ben Kredich, 24 | Shannon Walker, 44 | Vehicular homicide, DUI |
How has the community reacted to Ben Kredich’s death?
The Tennessee swimming and diving community has expressed its sorrow and grief over Ben Kredich’s death. The program released a statement on Tuesday about Ben’s passing.
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.
Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White also issued a statement.
Our hearts ache as an athletics department and are filled with sorrow in regards to the tragic and senseless death of Ben Kredich, son of Matt and Kim. We ask all of Vol Nation to keep the Kredich family in their thoughts and prayers. May God rest Ben’s beautiful soul.
Many people have shared their condolences and memories of Ben on social media, using the hashtag #BenStrong.
What can we learn from Ben Kredich’s life?
Ben Kredich’s life was a testament to his love for music and joy. He overcame many challenges and obstacles with his autism and showed his talent and kindness to everyone he met. He helped pave the way for other students with disabilities to pursue their dreams at UT Knoxville. He inspired his family, friends and community with his courage and spirit.
We can learn from Ben’s example to appreciate the gift of life, to pursue our passions, to help others in need, to be compassionate and respectful, to cherish our loved ones, and to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
FAQs
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Who is Ben Kredich?
Ben Kredich is a 24-year-old Knoxville man who graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in music
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How did Ben Kredich die?
Ben Kredich was killed by Shannon Walker on Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Knoxville.
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When was Ben Kredich born?
He was born on June 16, 1999.
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How old was Ben Kredich?
He was just 24 years old at the time of his death.
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Who are Ben Kredich’s parents?
Matt Kredich, director of swimming and diving at Tennessee and Kim Kredich, choral conductor and founder of Joyful Noise Community Choir.
