Central Texas television station KCEN is mourning the loss of beloved news anchor Chris Radcliffe, who passed away “suddenly” on Wednesday at the age of 51.
His co-anchor Lindsay Liepman broke down in tears as she announced Radcliffe’s sudden death during the 10 p.m. telecast Wednesday.
“Chris was sitting in the chair next to me and he was the best. He was just the best,” Liebman said, fighting back tears. “Funny, honest, smart. I looked forward to working with Chris every night, and I think you all feel that at home. We had fun here. Chris I loved this community and never took my role for granted.”
His cause of death was not immediately known.
An emotional Liebman recalled Radcliffe’s funny joke. “If I had known yesterday would be our last newscast together, I would have ignored the producers’ cues and laughed a little more,” she said. “I would have loved to have thanked him for everything he has taught me and given to all of our viewers, but life doesn’t work that way.”
Mr. Liebman apologized to viewers, saying, “I simply cannot understand tonight’s news program.I hope you will understand.” The station then aired a one-minute memorial video that included highlights of Radcliffe’s career and a narration of the memorial. News anchor Brian Mays of Austin’s TEGNA sister station KVUE took over for the remainder of the evening.
“KCEN and the Central Texas community have lost a truly wonderful person,” Rob Dwyer, president and general manager of KCEN/KAGS, said in a statement to Kron. “We will miss Chris Radcliffe, husband, father, grandfather, and anchor of KCEN and the community. Chris was a kind and generous man who uplifted everyone around him. It’s hard to say goodbye.
Radcliffe worked at the KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen station for 22 years.
Liebman’s announcement and the department’s memorial video can be viewed below.
