Lindsay Liepman announced on Facebook that she has been on a leave of absence from KCEN 6 Waco-Temple-Killeen where she anchors the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts, and will be returning at some point during first quarter 2025.
Liepman shared an emotional update that led to her leave following the sudden passing of her co-anchor, Kris Radcliffe, in October 2024.
The loss was deeply personal, as she had to announce it on-air, an experience she described as the hardest moment of her 23-year career. Her grief unexpectedly went viral, with messages pouring in from around the globe, highlighting the bond she shared with Radcliffe. While heartwarming, this also forced her to grieve publicly which was a challenge she hadn’t anticipated.
During her time off, Liepman focused on healing with her family, spending time in her hometown and cherishing affirmations from her children, who reminded her of her worth beyond her role as a news anchor. She expressed deep gratitude to co-anchor Baylee Bates for stepping up at the anchor desk and leading the team during her absence, praising Baylee’s talent and potential.
"It’s been a tough season of life for many of us at 6 News KCEN TV, but please understand we are all family and each of us are leaning on each other and doing what we need to keep moving forward," Bates responded. "Proud and blessed to work alongside some great human beings! We miss our Lindsay, but so happy she’ll be back in the new year! We’ll continue to hold down the fort."
Although an exact return date hasn’t been set due to procedural delays, Liepman plans to be back on air at KCEN 6 in 2025. She reaffirmed her belief that "life is worth living" and thanked her viewers and supporters for their encouragement during this challenging time.
Lindsay Liepman joined the KCEN 6 News team in November 2022 taking over for Leslie Draffin, who has transitioned out of the TV news industry.
A native from Mexia, Liepman previously anchored for cross-town rival 25 News KXXV. She departed KXXV in 2021 after serving as both an evening and morning anchor.
Prior to her time in Central Texas, she worked as a breaking news anchor for CBS Austin KEYE.
Liepman previously worked as a:
- weekend anchor for WMTW News 8 Portland, Maine
- morning/noon anchor for WINK News Ft. Myers, Florida
- main anchor for WSHM Western Mass News Springfield, Massachusetts
- news reporter for KBTX News 3 Bryan/College Station
A proud Texas A&M University graduate, Liepman has earned multiple Edward R. Murrow and EMMY awards throughout her career.
