On Wednesday, Kris Radcliffe, a long-standing figure in Central Texas broadcasting, passed away at the age of 51 in Temple, Texas.
Lindsay Liepman, his fellow anchor, shared the news of his death on KCEN 6 News, an NBC affiliate serving the Waco-Temple-Killeen area in Texas. During the broadcast, Liepman remembered Radcliffe as “Funny, genuine and smart.”
Radcliffe’s career at KCEN, spanning over two decades, started in 2002 when he joined as a sports anchor. His role evolved over time, from hosting “Texas Today,” the station’s morning show, to eventually taking on the role of an evening news anchor.
Throughout his tenure, Radcliffe reported on significant regional events such as the Baylor Men’s Basketball scandal, the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, two Fort Hood shootings, and the West Fertilizer Plant explosion. He also created and presented 200 episodes of “Money Talks,” a weekly series that emphasized financial education.
Radcliffe, a six-time recipient of the “Waco Tribune-Herald On-Air Television Personality of the Year” award from 2016 to 2021, also earned an Associated Press Award for “Best Morning Newscast” in 2016.
Rob Dwyer, President and General Manager of KCEN/KAGS, stated, “Kris was a kind and generous person who elevated everyone he was around. It is hard to say goodbye.”
Radcliffe, born in Torrance, California, was a graduate of California State University at Long Beach. Prior to his time at KCEN, he served in Nebraska and California markets. His father, John Radcliffe, was the official scorekeeper for Los Angeles Lakers home games for nearly five decades.
Eden Radcliffe, his wife, extended her gratitude to the community for their support through her sister.
Radcliffe leaves behind his wife, two daughters Victoria and Courtney, and two grandchildren. The family has asked for privacy during this time, and no cause of death has been revealed.