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

A Central Texas news anchor's sudden death has left viewers, co-workers and family members heartbroken.

KCEN 6 News anchor Kris Radcliffe, 51, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday. Radcliffe worked at the station for 22 years. 

His co-anchors paid tribute shortly after learning about the shocking death.

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

'He was simply the best,' Liepman said on Wednesday night's news segment. 'Funny, genuine and smart.' 

Radcliffe's cause of death has not been announced and his family has asked for privacy, according to a statement from KCEN 6 News.

He joined KCEN is 2002 as a sports anchor. He went on to become an anchor for Texas Today, a morning show covering local news, weather and sports.

After nine years, he became an evening anchor, covering a variety of breaking news and the latest 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 to KCEN 6 News. 

Liepman said: '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 at all of his jokes.

'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.

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

'It was an honor for us to work with Chris.'

She detailed not only what is was like to work with the seasoned reporter, but what he was like when the cameras were off. Liepman described him as a sports-loving family man who doted on 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 elevated everyone he was around. It is hard to say goodbye.'

Radcliffe's grieving widow, Eden, has not directly commented on his death. Her sister, Libby, posted on Facebook on her sister's behalf.

'She wanted me to relay to you our profound thanks for the tremendous outpouring of love and support for her, their girls, and families,' Libby wrote.

'She's receiving and reading your texts and posts but it's simply too difficult to respond at this time.' 

Tributes and homages to Radcliffe came pouring in on social media.

Liepman wrote on Instagram: 'Heartbroken by my co-anchor Kris Radcliffe’s passing and the hole left behind is vast. Thinking of his sweet family and praying for them.'

FOX 7's Jane Lonsdale wrote on Facebook: You will be missed, my friend. Lucky to have known you, Kris Radcliffe.'

KGW anchor Stephanie Domurat discussed her time working alongside Radcliffe, describing him as a 'light to so many of us.'

'He treated everyone life a friend, believed in community, taught me a lot about sports (whether I wanted to hear it or not), was a wonderful listener, cheerleader and 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 the California State University at Long Beach.

He left behind his wife, two daughters and two grandchildren.