Kris Radcliffe, a veteran news anchor at KCEN 6 News and a household name in Central Texas broadcasting for over two decades, passed away on Wednesday in Temple, Texas at the age of 51.

Lindsay Liepman, Radcliffe’s co-anchor at the NBC affiliate servicing the Waco-Temple-Killeen area, shared the sad news during Wednesday’s evening broadcast. “He was simply the best. Funny, genuine and smart,” Liepman emotionally stated.

Joining KCEN in 2002 as a sports anchor, Radcliffe’s journey spanned 22 years. His roles included hosting “Texas Today,” the station’s morning program, before eventually moving into the evening news anchor position.

Radcliffe reported on a number of significant regional stories over his career, including the Baylor Men’s Basketball scandal, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, two Fort Hood shootings, and the West Fertilizer Plant explosion. In addition, he produced and hosted “Money Talks,” a weekly segment dedicated to financial education, for 200 episodes.

Recognized for his professional excellence, Radcliffe received six consecutive “Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year” awards from 2016 through 2021. In 2016, he also won an Associated Press Award for “Best Morning Newscast.”

Rob Dwyer, President and General Manager of KCEN/KAGS, expressed his grief in a statement: “Kris was a kind and generous person who elevated everyone he was around. It is hard to say goodbye.”

Born in Torrance, California, Radcliffe completed his studies at California State University at Long Beach. His career spanned several markets including Nebraska and California before joining KCEN. His father, John, was the official scorekeeper for Los Angeles Lakers home games for nearly half a century.

His wife, Eden Radcliffe, through her sister, expressed gratitude for the support from the community.

Kris Radcliffe is survived by his wife, daughters Victoria and Courtney, and two grandchildren. The cause of death has not been disclosed.