News presenter bursts into tears as she announces death of colleague live on air

A newsreader in America was left shaken as it fell to her to announce the sudden death of a colleague live on air.

Viewers tuning in to KCEN-TV - a local news show that airs in Waco and Temple in the stat of Texas - were stunned when it was revealed long-serving newsreader Kris Radcliffe had died at the age of 51. The married father-of-two had served at the news network for 22 years and was respected among colleagues.

Viewers watched the evening news on KCEN-TV, which is an affiliate of , were stunned to learn that Kris had died suddenly on Wednesday. And it fell to show host Lindsay Liepman to break the news to her viewers.

She announced on air: "This is an incredibly sad day for our KCEN family. My co-anchor Kris Radcliffe died unexpectedly and we received the news today. Kris sat in the chair right beside me and he was the best, he was simply the best."

Struggling to get through the news bulletin in tears, Lindsay continued: "Funny, genuine and smart, I looked forward to working with Kris every single night and I think you all could tell at home. We had fun here. Kris loved this community and never took his role for granted."

Discussing her career highlights with Kris, Lindsay went on: "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. He always has lots of jokes. 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 honour for him to do this job, it was an honour for us to work with Kris."

As well as being a father-of-two, Kris was also a proud grandparent to two children as well. Lindsay said: "He always had a new story every time he came into the newsroom about his grandkids... I simply cannot get through the newscast tonight and I hope you understand."

She added: "I would have thanked him for all he's taught me and given to all of you, the viewers, but that is not how life works out,' Liepman continued. 'What you don't get to see on-air is the time spent talking about our families and our group chats. He loved talking about sports and politics. It was important for me to share what he meant to us here at KCEN right now because I know he would have done the same for me." Tributes have been made by fans, with one writing on X: "Praying for the family!" And another typed: "RIP Buddy".

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