Beloved Texas TV news anchor Kris Radcliffe dies unexpectedly aged just 51

The sudden death of a Central Texas news anchor has left viewers, colleagues 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.

Lindsay Liepman fought back tears as he discussed the mark he left on the newsroom and the Central Texas community.

“He was simply the best,” Liepman said in the news section on Wednesday evening. ‘Funny, sincere and smart.’

Radcliffe’s cause of death has not been released and his family has requested privacy, according to a statement from KCEN 6 News.

He joined KCEN in 2002 as a sports presenter. He then became a host for Texas Today, a morning show about local news, weather and sports.

After nine years, he became an evening anchor, reporting on the latest news and headlines.

From 2016 to 2019, Radcliffe was named the Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year.

In 2016, the acclaimed journalist earned an AP Award for “Best Morning Newscast,” according KCEN 6 News.

Liepman said, “If I had known that yesterday would be our last newscast together, I would have ignored our producers’ cues and just laughed at all his jokes a little longer.

“I would have thanked him for everything he taught me and gave to all of you as viewers, but life doesn’t work that way.

“This is a real loss for our community, his family, and I know he touched so many of your lives in a positive way. I think it was an honor for him to do this work.

“It was an honor for us to work with Chris.”

She shared not only what it was like to work with the veteran reporter, but also what he was like when the cameras were off. Liepman described him as a sporty family man who loved his grandchildren.

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 everyone around him to a higher level. It’s hard to say goodbye.’

Radcliffe’s grieving widow, Eden, did not immediately comment on his death. Her sister, Libby, posted on Facebook on her sister’s behalf.

“She wanted me to convey to you our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for her, their girls and families,” Libby wrote.

“She receives and reads your texts and messages, but it’s just too hard to respond at this point.”

Tributes and tributes to Radcliffe poured in on social media.

Liepman wrote on Instagram: “I am heartbroken by the passing of my co-host Kris Radcliffe and the hole I leave behind is enormous. I am thinking of his dear family and praying for them.”

FOX 7’s Jane Lonsdale wrote on Facebook: You will be missed, my friend. I’m glad I knew you, Kris Radcliffe.’

KGW host Stephanie Domurat discussed her time working with Radcliffe, describing him as a “light to so many of us.”

“He treated everyone like a friend, believed in the community, taught me a lot about sports (whether I wanted to hear it or not), was a great listener, cheerleader and a true friend,” she wrote.

Radcliffe’s loyal viewers were also stunned and saddened by his abrupt death.

‘Very sad news. He was pure class,” one Facebook user wrote.

‘He was my favorite. He will be missed,” another added.

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 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren.