Alabama is mourning the loss of Christina Chambers, a former WBRC sports reporter and respected educator, following her death and that of her husband at their home in Hoover. Authorities have confirmed that the case is under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting a domestic incident. A young child in the home was not physically harmed.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Birmingham-area media community, local schools, and the many organizations Chambers worked with throughout her career.
What Authorities Have Confirmed
According to the Hoover Police Department, officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Highland Manor Court on the morning of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, after receiving a 911 call placed by a family member. Upon arrival, first responders found two adults unresponsive inside the home.
Police identified the individuals as Christina Chambers, age 38, and her husband, Johnny Rimes Jr., age 41. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene. Law enforcement officials stated that the adults died from gunshot-related injuries.
Investigators have indicated that the circumstances appear consistent with a domestic incident, though the case remains active and under review. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The couple’s three-year-old child was found unharmed and is now in the care of family members, according to police.
Timeline Leading to the Discovery
Law enforcement officials reported that officers were dispatched shortly after 9 a.m. Family members became concerned when the couple and their child did not arrive at a scheduled school-related event. When relatives went to check on them, they discovered the situation and contacted emergency services.
Police confirmed that Chambers had returned home earlier that morning after her routine run, an activity friends and colleagues frequently associated with her daily life.
Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, authorities have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events.
A Respected Career in Sports Journalism
Christina Chambers was widely known across Alabama for her work in sports media and education. She began her journalism career covering local athletics at WAKA in Montgomery and WLTZ in Columbus, Georgia. She later joined Comcast Sports Southeast in Atlanta, where she reported on college and high school sports, including Auburn University athletics.
Chambers also worked as a freelance broadcaster for Raycom Media, contributing coverage of state championship football and basketball events.
In 2015, she returned to her hometown region and joined WBRC in Birmingham, where she became a familiar presence on “Sideline,” the station’s long-running Friday night high school football program. Her reporting style and dedication earned respect from colleagues, athletes, and viewers alike.
Transition to Education and Mentorship
After several years in broadcast journalism, Chambers shifted her focus toward education. She became the broadcast journalism instructor at Thompson High School in Alabaster, where she led the school’s media program.
Under her leadership, students received statewide recognition for their work, and the program grew in reputation. In 2024, Chambers was honored as Advisor of the Year by the Alabama Scholastic Press Association, a recognition reflecting both professional excellence and mentorship.
Even after stepping away from full-time television reporting, she remained connected to media through freelance work during the 2025 football season and through her role in corporate communications at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.
Impact Beyond the Newsroom
Colleagues from across the media industry described Chambers as a supportive professional who valued teamwork, integrity, and encouragement. Those who worked with her noted her ability to balance high expectations with compassion, particularly when mentoring younger journalists and students.
Her influence extended beyond professional spaces into community involvement, athletics, and education. Chambers was a former University of Alabama at Birmingham track athlete and remained an active runner throughout her life.
A Devoted Mother and Family Life
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Chambers was known to friends and followers as a devoted mother. She often shared moments of family life on social media, celebrating milestones, daily routines, and outdoor activities with her child.
Public records and reporting indicate that Chambers and Rimes were married in 2021 and were active in their local school and faith community.
In statements shared following the incident, family members and community leaders emphasized the importance of supporting the child and extended family during this time.
Community and Official Responses
WBRC released a statement acknowledging Chambers’ contributions to the station and the broader community, asking viewers to keep her loved ones in their thoughts.
Public officials, including U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt, also shared messages of condolence, highlighting Chambers’ service to Alabama communities through journalism and education.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama confirmed Chambers’ role within its corporate communications team and expressed appreciation for her professionalism and positive influence.
A Reminder of the Importance of Support Resources
While authorities continue their investigation, mental health advocates have emphasized the importance of awareness, prevention resources, and community support in cases involving domestic crises.
Organizations such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Alliance on Mental Illness encourage individuals and families experiencing stress, conflict, or emotional distress to seek help early through confidential support services.
Remembering Christina Chambers
Christina Chambers leaves behind a legacy defined by service, mentorship, and dedication to her community. From Friday night football sidelines to high school classrooms, she played a role in shaping stories and guiding young voices.
As Alabama continues to process this loss, colleagues, students, and viewers remember her for her professionalism, kindness, and commitment to uplifting others.
Authorities have stated that additional information will be released as appropriate once the investigation concludes.