Posted on 10/08/2012 3:03:07 AM PDT by DCBryan1
Former KNWA news anchor Matt Turner has died in a car accident.
It happened Saturday night on Interstate 30 near Bryant, Arkansas.
He leaves behind his wife Julee and their young daughter Preslee, along with his mother and brother.
His family released this statement Sunday morning: "Matt always loved and protected his family and his greatest asset was his love for his daughter Preslee. He always put his family and friends ahead of himself and was constantly thinking ahead and planning on their behalf. Matt was a man of integrity and had a strong faith in God. While we are deeply saddened and feel a sense of great loss, we know that God will pull us through this very difficult time. We appreciate the support so many have already given and ask that you would remember us in your thoughts and prayers."
Matt left KNWA in July to deliver the news for KTHV in Little Rock, closer to his & Julee's hometown of Arkadelphia.
His memory remains as a large part of many employees at KNWA, people across Northwest Arkansas and the Razorback sports world.
After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University, Matt Turner first joined the KNWA team in August of 2003 as a sports anchor and reporter.
Turner caught the eye of management while reporting from Little Rock during the Nolan Richardson racial discrimination trial. As a sportscaster, he also covered several other important news events, including a tornado that ripped through Northwest Arkansas in March of 2006.
He was promoted to primary news anchor in July of 2006 and was voted best news anchor by several publications.
While working for KNWA, Turner moderated various political debates and loved volunteering in the community by emceeing events and fundraisers that raise money for local charities.
Matt and Julee had their first child in November of 2011, Preslee Bell Turner. His growing family was one reason he chose to leave KNWA and move closer to home.
His NWA family sends their condolences to the Turner and Bell families. Matt is greatly loved and missed at KNWA and in Northwest Arkansas.
"I am at a loss for words," says KNWA General Manager Lisa Kelsey. "Everyone at KNWA loves Matt, Julee and Preslee. We're just heartbroken right now. His entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
No funeral arrangements for Matt have been set at this time.
Our family is devestated at the loss of a good, Christian, conservative family guy to a tragic car wreck and ensuing post crash fire.
We are a family of faith and strong, but they need your extra help at this difficult time.
Matt's Mom, Lisa lost her husband a few years ago, and now her son has joined his Dad and Father, our Lord, in Paradise.
Thanks FReepers.
FYI: Matt's extra links:
Turner Family blog and pictures
Matt's 30 year birthday from ANIMOTO
Heartfelt prayers and sympathies for your entire family.
My deepest condolances.
So sad and senseless. Prayers for the repose of his soul and his family.
Prayers up. Lord comfort and strengthen this family while you welcome a new angel to Your Kingdom.
Prayers lifted for Matt and his family.....May God’s comfort and strength be with them.
This is heartbreaking. Prayers have been sent for comfort and strength.
Deepest condolences to Matt’s family. I will pray for them and for Matt’ soul. May the happy memories be of comfort to all of you.
Blessings, etabeta
Prayers for the entire family. So sad, DCBryan. Such a beautiful family and a precious little girl. May his wife, daughter, Mother and brother receive comfort from Our Lord.
May God comfort you and your family.Very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry to hear this, DC. Prayers up for all of you!
So very sad times for his wife and daughter, and all his friends and family. They have the assurance that the Lord will help them through these dark days ahead. Prayers for you all.
You and your family have my prayers.
My deepest sympathies to you and his family and friends. A sudden death leaves everyone shocked for quite awhile afterwards. Prayers especially for his wife and daughter.
How sad.
I watched him occasionally on KNWA. I didn’t realize he had left the station, but hadn’t seen him on for a while. [I don’t watch local news broadcasts very often.]
May God wrap His arms around your family and bring great comfort in this difficult time.
RIP. Condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Prayers up for the entire family.
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