“Hinkin was a devout Christian whose kindness and selfless nature will be remembered by all who knew him,” WATE stated.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Matt Hinkin, WATE’s former chief meteorologist and a beloved face on televisions throughout East Tennessee for greater than 30 years, died on Monday afternoon. He was 62 years previous.
WATE anchor Lori Tucker labored side-by-side with Hinkin for a few years. She shared the information throughout WATE’s midday newscast.
“Matt just had a way about him that drew people to him, and that’s why I have someone, many of you, asking me about him nearly every day,” she stated.
Hinkin retired from tv in 2021, years after being recognized with Parkinson’s illness. He shared his well being battle with the general public to assist elevate consciousness of the illness and help different folks residing with Parkinson’s.
“He did so much, and Matt faced many hardships, including the loss of his beloved wife, Deb, in 2020,” Tucker stated. “And despite his declining health, Matt kept advocating for people facing Parkinson’s. He did it all with grace and joy, and that is how we will remember our friend, Matt Hinkin.”
Hinkin joined WATE in 1990 after getting his begin at stations in Missouri and Kansas.
“Over the span of 31 years with WATE, Matt saw us through storms like the blizzard of ’93 and disasters like the Gatlinburg wildfires. He will be greatly missed,” WATE stated. “Hinkin was a devout Christian whose kindness and selfless nature will be remembered by all who knew him.”
