Ben Kredich Obituary: UT FUTURE Program Alumnus Killed by a Drunk Driver in Knoxville
Ben Kredich, a 24-year-old Knoxville man who graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in music, was killed on Monday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in Knoxville. He was walking on the sidewalk near the University of Tennessee campus to meet his father for their weekly dinner at Sunspot, a local restaurant. The driver in the crash, Shannon Walker, 44, of Maryville, has been arrested and charged with vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, among other charges. Police found suspected heroin and other drugs in his vehicle.
Ben Kredich was the son of Matt Kredich, the director of swimming and diving at Tennessee, and Kim Kredich, a choral conductor who has devoted much of her life to working with children with disabilities. Ben lived with autism and was one of the first participants in the UT FUTURE program, which helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities attend UT Knoxville and learn to live independently. He also played piano at local assisted living centers and was known as the Piano Man.
| Name | Ben Kredich |
|---|---|
| Age | 24 |
| Date of Birth | June 16, 1999 |
| Date of Death | August 21, 2023 |
| Cause of Death | Vehicular homicide |
| Suspect | Shannon Walker, 44, of Maryville |
| Charges | Vehicular homicide, DUI, drug offenses |
| Education | UT FUTURE program, UT music degree |
| Occupation | Piano player at assisted living centers |
| Family | Matt Kredich (father), Kim Kredich (mother), Miles Kredich (brother), Coleman Kredich (brother) |
A Passion for Music
Ben Kredich had a passion for music since he was a child. He started playing piano when he was four years old and never stopped. He learned to play by ear and could play any song he heard. He also composed his own music and performed at various venues, including churches, schools, weddings, and funerals.
His mother, Kim Kredich, said music was his way of expressing himself and connecting with others. “He had a gift for music that transcended any disability or any label that he had,” she said. “He could communicate through music in ways that words couldn’t.”
Ben Kredich graduated from UT in 2021 with a degree in music. He was one of the first students to complete the UT FUTURE program, which provides academic, social, and career support for students with disabilities. He lived independently in his own apartment and took public transportation to get around.
Emma Burgin, the coordinator of the UT FUTURE program, said Ben Kredich was instrumental in creating the independent living program within UT FUTURE. Burgin said
Because of Ben and his family and the efforts that they put in, to creating that opportunity we now can help so many students live on their own for their first time. I think when Ben was living on his own, we had seven people in the independent living program. We have 19 today.
Burgin also said Ben Kredich was a leader and a mentor for other students in the program. He was always supportive, encouraging, and positive. He also had a sense of humor and a playful personality. “He had that ‘whatever I can do’ attitude,” Burgin said.
Ben Kredich – A Legacy of Advocacy
Ben Kredich’s family has been involved in advocacy work for children with special needs for many years. His mother, Kim Kredich, is the founder and director of Joyful Noise Community Choir, a choir for children with disabilities and their siblings. She is also a board member of Autism Site Knoxville, a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support for families affected by autism.
Kim Kredich said she and her husband have always fought for Ben’s right to education and inclusion. They have also shared their story with other parents and educators to raise awareness and inspire change. “We’ve always tried to be very open about our journey with Ben because we felt like it could help other people,” she said.
Ben Kredich’s younger brother, Coleman Kredich, said Ben taught him a lot about life and love. He said Ben never let his disability define him or limit him. He said Ben was always his brother, not his brother with autism. “He was always a friend; he wasn’t someone’s friend with autism. And that was pretty incredible,” Coleman Kredich said.
Coleman Kredich also said Ben inspired him to pursue a career in special education. He is currently a senior at UT majoring in special education. He said he wants to honor Ben’s legacy by helping other children like him achieve their goals and dreams.
A Community in Mourning
Ben Kredich’s death has shocked and saddened many people who knew him and loved him. His family, friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, and teammates have expressed their grief and condolences on social media and in person.
The Tennessee swimming and diving team 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.
The UT FUTURE program also posted a tribute to Ben on Facebook:
Ben was a light in our program and in this world. He was a friend to everyone he met, and he had a way of making everyone feel special. He was a talented musician, a loyal son and brother, a proud UT graduate, and a beloved member of the UT FUTURE family. We will miss him dearly and we will always remember him with love and gratitude.
Ben Kredich’s family said they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and sympathy they have received from the community. They said they are planning a celebration of life for Ben in the next week or so, which will be open to the public. They said they want to honor Ben’s memory by celebrating his life and his achievements.
“We want to celebrate Ben for who he was and what he did and what he meant to so many people,” Kim Kredich said. “He was a joy. He was a gift. And we’re so grateful that we had him for 24 years”.
