The Texas news anchor collapses and announces the sudden death of his co-anchor

Central Texas television station KCEN is mourning the loss of beloved news anchor Kris Radcliffe, who died “unexpectedly” on Wednesday at the age of 51.

His co-host Lindsay Liepman burst into tears during Wednesday's 10pm show as she announced Radcliffe's sudden death.

“Kris sat in the chair right next to me and he was the best, he was just the best,” Liepman said, choking back tears. “Funny, sincere and smart. I looked forward to working with Kris every night and I think that shows at home too. We had fun here. Kris loved this community and never took his role for granted.”

The cause of death was initially unknown.

An emotional Liepman recalled Radcliffe's funny jokes. “If I had known that yesterday would be our last newscast together, I would have ignored our producers' hints at the conclusion and just laughed a little longer,” she said. “I would have thanked him for everything he taught me and gave to all of you viewers, but that’s not how life works.”

Liepman apologized to viewers: “I just can't get through the newscast tonight and I hope you understand.” The station then aired a one-minute video tribute to Radcliffe, which included highlights of his career and a voice-over eulogy. For the remainder of the evening, anchor Bryan Mays from TEGNA's sister station KVUE in Austin took over.

“KCEN and the Central Texas community have lost a truly wonderful person,” Rob Dwyer, president and general manager of KCEN/KAGS, said in a statement. “Kris Radcliffe, husband, father, grandfather and anchor for KCEN and the community, will be missed. Kris was a kind and generous person who magnified everyone around him. It’s hard to say goodbye.”

Radcliffe had worked at the KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen station for 22 years.

You can watch Liepman's announcement and the station's video tribute above.