(KOMU) — It is with profound sadness that KOMU 8 announces the passing of Sports Director Ben Arnet, 43, on Thursday.
Ben had led the KOMU 8 Sports department for five years, after tenures covering sports in Arizona, Kansas and upstate New York, as well as nearly a decade anchoring Tigers coverage for Mizzou Athletics.
A Columbia native and Hickman High School graduate, Ben’s passion for sports was apparent early and led him to the Missouri School of Journalism, first as a student and later as instructor and colleague.
“I firmly believe that what we do best, we do together, and Ben embraced that philosophy in his work,” KOMU 8 General Manager Matt Garrett said. “Being the sports director at KOMU 8 means bringing students with you every step of the way, and sometimes that can be difficult if you don’t have the passion that Ben had for seeing the next generation of sports journalists take shape in front of his eyes. He was a tremendous asset to KOMU 8 and a landmark in the journeys of the students and staff who worked with him. He won’t be forgotten here at the station and in the mid-Missouri sports community.”
Ben’s passion for storytelling, especially about sports in mid-Missouri, touched countless viewers and inspired the next generation of journalists who worked alongside him.
“The Missouri School of Journalism and KOMU has lost a veteran sportscaster, a dedicated mentor and a consummate colleague in Ben Arnet,” Dean David Kurpius said. “In addition to being a beloved voice in the community as KOMU-TV’s sports director, Ben was a key part of KOMU’s annual tradition of Friday Night Fever, during which he would help students coordinate coverage of high school football games all over mid-Missouri. Students often cite that experience — and Ben’s enthusiastic guidance — as a highlight of their college careers. He will be dearly missed.
A dedicated journalist, valued colleague, and beloved friend, Ben was treasured by our community. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at KOMU 8 are with Ben’s family at this time. More information will be shared when it is available.