BELOVED FORMER KNOXVILLE METEOROLOGIST MATT HINKIN PASSES AWAY Former WATE Chief Meteorologist Matt Hinkin, who spent over three decades providing weather coverage for East Tennessee, has died at the age of 62. Hinkin retired from WATE Channel 6 in August 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Hinkin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and later pursued an Atmospheric Science Degree from the University of Kansas. His broadcasting career began with KSNF in Joplin, Missouri, and KSNT in Topeka, Kansas, before he joined WATE in Knoxville in 1990. Hinkin and his wife, Deborah, met while both worked at WATE. The couple married and spent 28 years together before Deborah’s untimely death in a car crash in November 2020. Details about Hinkin’s funeral arrangements were not disclosed, though plans are expected to be announced soon. Throughout his career, Hinkin became a familiar face to viewers in East Tennessee, known for his expertise and dedication to weather forecasting. His retirement in 2021 marked the end of a career that spanned more than three decades, leaving a lasting impact on the community he served.#knoxville #matt_hinkin #parkinsons_disease #wate_channel_6 #deborah_hinkin
Longtime WATE Chief Meteorologist Matt Hinkin Dies at 62 Matt Hinkin, the former chief meteorologist for WATE and a well-known television personality in East Tennessee for over three decades, passed away at the age of 62. His death was announced on Monday afternoon, marking the end of a career defined by dedication to weather forecasting and community service. Hinkin joined WATE in 1990 after beginning his broadcasting career at stations in Missouri and Kansas. Over the course of his 31-year tenure with the station, he became a trusted figure in the region, providing critical updates during severe weather events such as the blizzard of 1993 and the Gatlinburg wildfires. His work extended beyond the newsroom, as he remained actively engaged with the community even after retiring from television in 2021. Hinkin’s retirement came after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he openly discussed to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges. Despite his declining health, he continued to advocate for Parkinson’s research and those living with the disease, demonstrating resilience and compassion throughout his journey. His wife, Deb, passed away in 2020, adding to the personal hardships he faced. WATE anchor Lori Tucker shared the news of Hinkin’s passing during the station’s noon newscast, reflecting on his impact and the lasting impression he left on colleagues and viewers. “Matt just had a way about him that drew people to him,” Tucker said. “That’s why I have someone, many of you, asking me about him nearly every day.” She emphasized his kindness and selflessness, noting how he approached his struggles with grace and joy. The station described Hinkin as a devout Christian whose character and dedication were deeply admired by all who knew him.#matt_hinkin #wate #lori_tucker #parkinsons_disease #gatlinburg_wildfires
