Reno TV station’s sports director dies after being hit by vehicle

RENO -- The sports director for Reno's CBS television affiliate died Sunday afternoon from injuries suffered in what authorities are calling a hit-and-run accident.

JK Metzker, 41, was struck by a vehicle while crossing a busy street late Saturday night near the football stadium where he had just covered Nevada's 42-28 victory over Hawaii, officers said.

Ryan Rhea, 23, of Sparks, was arrested Sunday and booked into the Washoe County Jail on one felony count of hit-and-run causing death and was not available for comment. Also, it was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer.

Investigators said alcohol appears to be a factor in the accident and additional charges may be filed pending results of blood tests.

Witnesses were able to provide a description of the vehicle, and a Washoe County sheriff's deputy located it a short time later.

Metzker had worked for KTVN-TV in Reno for nearly 14 years, and his death prompted the station to cancel all three of its regularly scheduled newscasts Sunday night.

"I can't begin to describe the shock and sadness we are feeling today in the Channel 2 newsroom," said Jason Pasco, KTVN's news director. "This is such a tremendous loss for us both professionally and personally, but pales in comparison to the loss it is to his family."

Metzker is survived by his wife, Jaimie, and three young sons.

Nevada football coach Chris Ault and Athletic Director Cary Groth, as well as news personnel from other Reno television stations, issued statements praising Metzker.

"On behalf of everyone in our football program, I want to express our sadness of the tragic loss of JK Metzker," Ault said. "As a sports journalist, JK was smart, talented and a professional. But more than that, he was a good man dedicated to his family. He will be missed."