Kris Radcliffe, a cornerstone of Central Texas broadcasting for more than two decades, died Wednesday at age 51 in Temple, Texas.
His co-anchor Lindsay Liepman announced his passing during Wednesday evening’s broadcast on KCEN 6 News, an NBC affiliate serving the Waco-Temple-Killeen area. “He was simply the best,” Liepman said during the emotional segment. “Funny, genuine and smart.”
Radcliffe’s 22-year career at KCEN began in 2002 when he joined as a sports anchor. He later transitioned to hosting “Texas Today,” the station’s morning show, before becoming an evening news anchor.
During his tenure, Radcliffe covered significant regional stories, including the Baylor Men’s Basketball scandal, Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, two Fort Hood shootings, and the West Fertilizer Plant explosion. He also produced and hosted 200 episodes of “Money Talks,” a weekly segment focused on financial education.
His professional achievements included six consecutive “Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year” awards from 2016 to 2021. In 2016, he earned an Associated Press Award for “Best Morning Newscast.”
Rob Dwyer, President and General Manager of KCEN/KAGS, said in a statement: “Kris was a kind and generous person who elevated everyone he was around. It is hard to say goodbye.”
A native of Torrance, California, Radcliffe graduated from California State University at Long Beach. Before joining KCEN, he worked in Nebraska and California markets. His father, John, served as the official scorekeeper for Los Angeles Lakers home games for 48 years.
Eden Radcliffe, his wife, expressed gratitude through her sister for the community’s support.
Radcliffe is survived by his wife, daughters Victoria and Courtney, and two grandchildren. The family has requested privacy, and no cause of death has been announced.