Texas News anchor breaks down as he announces his co-anchor’s sudden death

Central Texas television station KCEN mourns the loss of a beloved news anchor Chris Radcliffewho died “unexpectedly” on Wednesday at the age of 51.

His co-host Lindsay Liepman broke down in tears during Wednesday’s 10 p.m. telecast announcing Radcliffe’s sudden death.

“Kris was sitting in the chair right next to me and he was the best, he was just the best,” Liepman said, holding back tears. “Funny, authentic and smart. I looked forward to working with Kris every night and I think everyone could see that at home. We had a good time here. Kris loved this community and never took his role for granted.”

The cause of his death was not immediately known.

Touched, Liepman recalled Radcliffe’s funny jokes. “If I had known that yesterday would be our last news show together, I would have ignored the end signals from our producers and just laughed a little longer,” she said. “I would thank him for everything he taught me and gave to all of you, the viewers, but that’s not how life works.”

Liepman apologized to viewers: “I just can’t watch today’s news program and I hope you understand.” The station then aired a one-minute video tribute to Radcliffe, featuring highlights of his career and a voiceover eulogy. News anchor Bryan Mays of TEGNA sister station KVUE in Austin took over the anchor for the remainder of the evening.

“KCEN and the Central Texas community have lost a truly wonderful person,” said Rob Dwyer, president and CEO of KCEN/KAGS, in a statement to the Chron. “We will miss Kris Radcliffe, a husband, father, grandfather and a staple of KCEN and the community. Kris was a kind and generous person who uplifted everyone he was around. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Radcliffe worked at Waco-Temple-Killeen station KCEN 6 for 22 years.

You can watch Liepman’s announcement and the station’s tribute below.