In a shocking and tragic incident, a former Alabama sports reporter and her husband were found dead in their Hoover home in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide. Their young son was discovered safe at the scene.
A Tragic Discovery in Hoover
Christina Chambers, a former WBRC 6 sports reporter turned teacher, and her husband, Johnny Rimes, were discovered deceased at their family residence on the morning of Tuesday, December 16. Hoover Police Department officers responded to the home shortly after 9 a.m. following concerns.
The couple's three-year-old son was also present in the home but was found physically unharmed. Authorities confirmed both adults sustained fatal gunshot wounds. While the preliminary investigation points to a murder-suicide, Hoover police emphasized that the case remains active and under investigation.
Christina Chambers: A Celebrated Career in Journalism and Education
Christina Chambers was widely respected in both media and academic circles. After joining WBRC 6 in 2015, she became a familiar face as part of the station's "Sideline" segment, which provided primetime live coverage of local sports. Her role extended beyond the studio, as she also reported from marathons that she herself participated in.
In 2021, Chambers transitioned to teaching full-time but maintained her connection to WBRC 6 as a freelance reporter for "Sideline" during the latest football season. At Thompson High School in Alabaster, she served as a broadcast journalism teacher, where her impact was profound.
Her dedication was recognized with the prestigious Alabama Scholastic Press Association Advisor of the Year award in 2024. Under her guidance, the school's broadcast program achieved remarkable success:
- Earning a journalism sustainability award.
- Mentoring two students who were named Alabama Journalists of the Year.
- Leading her team to a SkillsUSA State Championship in Broadcast News.
- Winning two All-Alabama Overall Broadcast Awards.
Dr. Wayne Vickers, superintendent for Alabaster City Schools, praised Chambers as a "beloved member of the Warrior Nation Network" who used her deep sports knowledge to leave a lasting impression on students, colleagues, and viewers.
Community Mourns a Profound Loss
The news has sent waves of grief through the communities where Chambers worked and lived. Alabaster City Schools highlighted her "meaningful connections" and "dedication" to students, which were instrumental in elevating the school's broadcast program.
Before her tenure at WBRC 6, Chambers built her career at WLTZ NBC38 in Columbus, Georgia, and later at Comcast Sports Southeast (CSS) in Atlanta, where she covered Auburn University sports. Her passion for Auburn Tigers athletics remained strong long after her time at CSS.
As the Hoover Police Department continues its investigation, friends, former colleagues, students, and the wider Alabama community are left to mourn the sudden and tragic loss of a talented journalist and devoted educator.
