(KOMU) – Komu 8 announced the death of 43-year-old sports director Ben Arnet on Thursday, which is deeply saddened.
Ben led the Komu 8 Sports Department for five years after his tenure covering Arizona, Kansas and upstate New York and reported for Mizzou Athletics Tigers for nearly a decade.
Ben was a Columbian native and Hickman High School graduate, Ben’s passion for sports was obvious and brought him to Missouri Journalism College, first as a student and later as a lecturer and colleague.
“I strongly believe that we do our best and we do it together, Ben embraced this philosophy in his work,” said Komu 8 General Manager Matt Garrett. “Being a sports director at KOMU 8 means taking students with you every step, sometimes if you don’t have Ben’s passion for seeing the next generation of sports journalists take shape before his eyes.
The passion for storytelling, especially for sports in the middle, has attracted the welcome from countless audiences and inspired the next generation of journalists who worked with him.
“Missouri Journalism College and Combe School lost an experienced sports program director, a dedicated mentor and a full colleague at Ben Arnet,” said Dean David Kurpius. “In addition to being a well-loved voice in the community of Komu-TV athletic director, Ben is a key part of Komu’s annual Friday Night Hot Tradition’s annual tradition during which he will help students coordinate coverage of high school football games in Missouri. Students often cite this experience – Ben’s passionate guidance – as a standout for their college careers.
Ben is a dedicated journalist, valuable colleagues and beloved friends, cherished by our community. Komu 8's thoughts and prayers are currently with Ben's family. More information will be shared when available.