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Central Texas television station KCEN is mourning the loss of beloved news anchor Kris Radcliffe, who died “unexpectedly” Wednesday at the age of 51.
His co-anchor Lindsay Liepman broke down in tears during the 10 p.m. telecast Wednesday as she announced Radcliffe’s sudden death.
“Kris sat in the chair right beside me and he was the best, he was simply the best,” Liepman said, choking back tears. “Funny, genuine, and smart. I looked forward to working with Kris every single night and I think you all could tell at home. We had fun here. Kris loved this community and never took his role for granted.”
The cause of his death was not immediately known.
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An emotional Liepman recalled Radcliffe’s funny jokes. “If I had known yesterday was going to be our last newscast together, I would have ignored the cues to wrap from our producers and just laughed a little longer,” she said. “I would have thanked him for all he’s that he’s taught me and given to all of you the viewers, but that is not how life works out.”
Liepman apologized to viewers: “I simply cannot get through the newscast tonight and I hope you understand.” The station then aired a one-minute video tribute to Radcliffe that included highlights of his career and a voice-over eulogy. News anchor Bryan Mays of TEGNA sister station KVUE in Austin took over for the remainder of the evening.
“KCEN and the Central Texas community lost a truly wonderful person,” said Rob Dwyer, president and general manager of KCEN/KAGS, in a statement. “Kris Radcliffe, husband, father, grandfather and anchor for KCEN and the community will be missed. Kris was a kind and generous person who elevated everyone he was around. It is hard to say goodbye.”
Radcliffe had worked at the KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen station for 22 years.
You can watch Liepman’s announcement and station’s video tribute above.
