Tragic Loss of a Beloved Sports Reporter: Christina Chambers and Husband Found Dead
In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked an Alabama community, Christina Chambers, a respected former sports reporter and dedicated teacher, was found dead alongside her husband Johnny Rimes in their Hoover, Alabama home on Tuesday morning. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected murder-suicide, with both individuals having sustained gunshot wounds. Perhaps most devastating is that the couple’s 3-year-old son was present in the home at the time, though thankfully unharmed physically. The discovery, made shortly after 9 a.m., has left colleagues, students, and community members grappling with profound grief and unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
Christina Chambers had established herself as a cherished figure in Alabama journalism before transitioning to education. Her career began with positions at WLTZ NBC38 in Columbus, Georgia and Comcast Sports Southeast in Atlanta, where she covered Auburn University sports. She eventually found her home at WBRC 6 in 2015, becoming a familiar and trusted face on the station’s “Sideline” segment, which provided live coverage of local sports. Chambers was known for her dedication and enthusiasm, even covering marathons in which she herself was competing. Though she shifted to teaching full-time in 2021, she maintained her connection to sports journalism by freelancing for WBRC’s “Sideline” during the most recent football season, demonstrating her enduring passion for sports reporting and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of journalists.
As a broadcast journalism teacher at Thompson High School, Chambers transformed the school’s program with her expertise and dedication. Her exceptional teaching abilities and mentorship were recognized when she received the Alabama Scholastic Press Association Advisor of the Year award in 2024. Under her guidance, the school’s journalism program flourished, earning a journalism sustainability award and producing two students who were named Alabama Journalists of the Year. Her leadership also resulted in a SkillsUSA State Championship in Broadcast News and two All-Alabama Overall Broadcast Awards. Chambers was celebrated for her ability to form meaningful connections with her students while helping them develop their skills and confidence in broadcast journalism. Her classroom became a place where young journalists could grow and thrive under her thoughtful instruction.
The impact of Chambers’ work extended well beyond the classroom and into the broader community. Dr. Wayne Vickers, superintendent for Alabaster City Schools, expressed the profound loss felt by the school community, describing Chambers as “a cherished part of the Warrior family” who brought “her deep knowledge and love of sports reporting to Friday nights, leaving a lasting impression on students, colleagues, and viewers alike.” Through her work with Thompson High School’s “Warrior Nation Network,” Chambers created opportunities for students to experience real-world broadcasting while providing valuable coverage of school events. Her ability to balance professional standards with educational needs made her an invaluable asset to both the school and the community it serves. The outpouring of grief following the announcement of her death highlights the significant role she played in numerous lives.
Chambers’ personal passions revealed a woman of remarkable drive and loyalty. A graduate of the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB), she remained deeply connected to her alma mater throughout her life. Her final social media post celebrated UAB’s victory in the “Battle of the Bones,” demonstrating her unwavering support for the Blazers. During her time at UAB, Chambers was not only focused on academics but also participated in the school’s Division 1 track and field team for four years before graduating in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. This athletic background translated into a lifelong love of running, with Chambers completing numerous marathons around the world, including three Boston Marathons. She had been planning to run the prestigious race for a fourth time in 2026, a goal that now stands as a poignant reminder of dreams left unfulfilled.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Christina Chambers and Johnny Rimes have left a community in mourning and a young child without parents. As investigators continue to piece together what happened in the couple’s home that Tuesday morning, friends, colleagues, and students are left to honor the memory of a woman who touched countless lives through her reporting, teaching, and community involvement. The tragedy is particularly difficult to comprehend given Chambers’ positive influence and the bright future she was helping to shape for young journalists. As the community comes together to support their son and each other through this difficult time, they also celebrate the lasting legacy of a passionate journalist, dedicated educator, and loving mother whose influence will continue to inspire those who knew her. The story of Christina Chambers serves as a reminder of both the fragility of life and the enduring impact one person can have on a community.
