In a poignant live broadcast, KCEN-TV’s Lindsay Liepman announced the unexpected death of her colleague Kris Radcliffe, which visibly moved her and the viewing audience. Radcliffe, a staple on the central Texas news circuit, died suddenly on October 30, 2024, at the age of 51, leaving the community and his fellow journalists in shock.
Lindsay Liepman, overwhelmed with emotion on-air, struggled to convey the sad news of Kris Radcliffe’s sudden passing, Daily Mail reported.
Liepman, who had co-anchored with Radcliffe just the night before, described him as "the best," a sentiment echoed in the memories of those who knew him. Radcliffe’s career at KCEN began in 2002, and over the years, he has made a significant impact on the station and its viewers.
Originally hired as a sports anchor, Radcliffe’s charm and expertise soon saw him transition into broader news roles, including anchoring the evening news since 2018. His humor, dedication to journalism, and love for the local community made him a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
Kris Radcliffe's 22-year tenure at KCEN was distinguished by his jovial nature and deep commitment to the central Texas area. Lindsay Liepman, fighting back tears, recalled how Radcliffe's sense of humor was a fixture of the newsroom, saying, "If I had known yesterday was going to be our last newscast together, I would have ignored the cues to wrap and just laughed a little longer at all of his jokes."
She lamented the sudden loss, emphasizing how Radcliffe’s approach to news delivery was not only professional but genuinely spirited. "He always had lots of jokes," she added, a testament to his ability to lighten the often serious atmosphere of a newsroom.
According to Liepman, Radcliffe was a family man, frequently sharing stories about his two daughters and grandchildren, who adored him. His passing not only left a void at KCEN but also within his personal life, survived by his wife Eden, two daughters, and grandchildren, who idolized him for being much more than a news anchor.
During the broadcast, Liepman found it difficult to maintain her composure, eventually stepping away from the camera, at which point KCEN's sister station in Austin took over the telecast. This on-air moment underscored the deep connections formed within news teams and the broader implications of such a loss on both colleagues and viewers.
As part of commemorating Radcliffe's extensive career, KCEN aired a special tribute featuring highlights that showcased his versatility and magnetic personality. From jocular exchanges during broadcasts to heartwarming coverage of community events, the segment displayed the breadth of Radcliffe’s influence and the void his passing leaves.
Liepman’s statements to the viewers encapsulated not just the sorrow felt by the KCEN team but also the high regard in which Radcliffe was held. She expressed a strong sense of loss not only for herself and the station but for the entire community, noting, "This is a true loss for our community, his family, and I know that he touched so many of your lives positively."
The news of Kris Radcliffe's death has reverberated through the community, with many viewers and locals expressing their condolences and sharing how Radcliffe’s work touched their lives. His approach to journalism—infused with authenticity, humor, and empathy—has left a lasting imprint on the community he served.
Lindsay Liepman’s difficulty in delivering the broadcast highlights the close-knit nature of the KCEN news team and their shared commitment to journalistic integrity and community connection. Radcliffe’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, remembered as a journalist who brought not only news but also joy and laughter to his audience.
The solemnity of this event serves as a poignant reminder of the personal connections viewers feel with those who bring news into their homes each evening. Kris Radcliffe’s family, friends, colleagues, and viewers will remember him as a beacon of light in the journalistic community and a person whose life’s work enhanced the fabric of central Texas.
