TV anchor breaks down in tears and forced to abandon show as she announces death of her co-star live on air
A TV news anchor broke down in tears as she revealed her co-star’s sudden death, and was forced to abandon the show.
Appearing on NBC affiliate KCEN 6 News, anchor Lindsay Liepman told viewers on Wednesday 30 October the sad news of one of her co-star’s deaths.
Fellow news anchor Kris Radcliffe unexpectedly passed away aged 51, and had worked for the TV station for 22 years.
Speaking on air to deliver the news of Radcliffe’s death, Liepman was visibly upset with her voice filled with emotion.
She told viewers: “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.”
She 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.
“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.”
She then spoke about Radcliffe’s impact on the news station and viewers, before sharing a message of condolence for his family and children as he leaves behind his wife, Eden, their two daughters, and his two grandchildren.
She added: “He always had a new story every time he came into the newsroom about his grandkids.”
Liepman was then so upset she apologised to viewers and explained she couldn’t continue the broadcast as she said: “I simply cannot get through the newscast tonight and I hope you understand.”
KCEN sister’s station in Austin then took over the telecast, and KCEN shared highlights from Radcliffe’s career to honour his memory.
Liepman added: “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.”