The sudden death of a Central Texas news anchor has left viewers, co-workers and family members heartbroken.
NBC affiliate KCEN 6 news anchor Kris Radcliffe, 51, died unexpectedly on Wednesday. Radcliffe worked at the station for 22 years.
His co-host paid tribute shortly after hearing about the shocking death.
Fighting back tears, Lindsay Liepman spoke about the mark she left on the newsroom and the Central Texas community.
“He was just the best,” Liepman said on Wednesday night’s news segment. “Funny, genuine and intelligent.”
Beloved news anchor Kris Radcliffe, 51, passed away suddenly on Wednesday.
Co-host Lindsay Liepman announced his death on Wednesday night’s news segment.
Radcliffe’s cause of death has not been announced and his family has requested privacy, according to a statement from KCEN 6 News.
He joined KCEN in 2002 as a sports anchor. He then became host of Texas Today, a morning show covering local news, weather and sports.
After nine years, he became a late-night anchor, covering a variety of breaking news and the latest headlines.
From 2016 to 2019, Radcliffe was named the “Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year.”
In 2016, the acclaimed journalist won an AP award for ‘Best Morning Newscast,’ according to KCEN 6 News.
Radcliffe was known as a family man who adored his grandchildren.
Radcliffe won several awards throughout his career, including an AP Award for ‘Best Morning Newscast.’
Liepman said, “If I had known that yesterday was going to be our last newscast together, I would have ignored our producers’ signals to wrap up and just laughed some more at all their jokes.”
‘I would have thanked him for everything he taught me and gave to all of you, the viewers, but that’s not how life works.
‘This is a real loss for our community, his family and I know he touched many of their lives in a positive way. I think it was an honor for him to do this job.
“It was an honor for us to work with Chris.”
She detailed not only what it was like to work with the seasoned reporter, but also what he was like when the cameras were off. Liepman described him as a sports-loving family man who adored his grandchildren.
Radcliffe’s co-workers and loved ones shared their fond memories of the admired presenter.
Rob Dwyer, president and general manager of KCEN/KAGS, said in the statement: ‘Kris Radcliffe, husband, father, grandfather and anchor for KCEN and the community, will be missed.
‘Kris was a kind and generous person who lifted up everyone around him. It’s hard to say goodbye.’
Radcliffe’s grieving widow, Eden, has not commented directly on his death. Her sister, Libby, posted on Facebook on her sister’s behalf.
“She wanted me to convey our deep gratitude for the tremendous love and support for her, her daughters and their families,” Libby wrote.
“She’s receiving and reading your texts and posts, but it’s just too hard to respond right now.”
Tributes and tributes to Radcliffe poured in on social media.
Radcliffe worked at KCEN 6 News for 22 years, covering a variety of Central Texas news.
Liepman wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken by the passing of my co-host Kris Radcliffe and the hole left is huge. Thinking of your sweet family and praying for them.’
FOX 7’s Jane Lonsdale wrote on Facebook: You will be missed my friend. How lucky to have met you, Kris Radcliffe.
KGW anchor Stephanie Domurat spoke about her time working alongside Radcliffe, describing him as a “light to many of us.”
“He treated everyone in life as a friend, believed in community, taught me a lot about sports (whether I wanted to listen to it or not), was a wonderful listener, an encourager and a true friend,” he wrote.
Radcliffe’s loyal viewers were also stunned and saddened by his abrupt death.
‘Very sad news. It was pure class,” wrote one Facebook user.
‘He was my favorite. We will miss him,” added another.
Radcliffe began his career at KCEN in 2002 as a sports anchor.
Radcliffe was originally from Torrance, California. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach.
Throughout his career, he covered several notable stories, including the Baylor men’s basketball scandal and the Columbia space shuttle disaster. He also covered two shootings at Fort Hood.
His love for sports arose from his childhood. His father, John, was the official scorer of all Lakers home games for 48 years – the longest-tenured Lakers employee of all time.
Radcliffe left behind his wife, daughters Victoria and Courtney and two grandchildren.