KOMU 8 Confirms Passing of Sports DirectorKOMU 8 announced late Thursday, August 28, 2025, that longtime Sports Director Ben Arnet had passed away at the age of 43. The news deeply saddened viewers, colleagues, and the broader journalism community across Missouri and beyond.A Journey Rooted in Journalism and SportsArnet’s career began at the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, where he not only studied as a student but later returned as an instructor to guide aspiring reporters. His passion for sports and storytelling was evident from the beginning, fueling a career that took him across the United States, from Arizona to Kansas and eventually to New York.
Despite professional opportunities elsewhere, Arnet was drawn back to Columbia, Missouri, where he took on the role of Sports Director at KOMU 8. In that position, he became a trusted voice in sports coverage and a leader who inspired both his colleagues in the newsroom and his students in the classroom.A Legacy of Inspiration and DedicationThose who knew Arnet remember him as more than a journalist. He was described as a mentor, friend, and motivator — someone who constantly encouraged others to pursue excellence and believe in their abilities. His dedication to sports reporting was matched only by his devotion to his family and his commitment to shaping the next generation of storytellers.Students admired his teaching style and professionalism, colleagues valued his guidance, and friends cherished his unwavering support. His impact reached well beyond the newsroom, leaving a lasting mark on the community he loved.Family and Community MourningAbove all, Arnet was a family man. He is survived by his wife, Nicole, and their daughter, Lyla, who were the center of his life. Friends, family, and the mid-Missouri community are grieving the sudden loss of a man who balanced his professional success with love and devotion at home.KRCG 13 and others in the journalism community have extended heartfelt condolences to Arnet’s family, remembering him as a talented professional and a compassionate human being.
Despite professional opportunities elsewhere, Arnet was drawn back to Columbia, Missouri, where he took on the role of Sports Director at KOMU 8. In that position, he became a trusted voice in sports coverage and a leader who inspired both his colleagues in the newsroom and his students in the classroom.A Legacy of Inspiration and DedicationThose who knew Arnet remember him as more than a journalist. He was described as a mentor, friend, and motivator — someone who constantly encouraged others to pursue excellence and believe in their abilities. His dedication to sports reporting was matched only by his devotion to his family and his commitment to shaping the next generation of storytellers.Students admired his teaching style and professionalism, colleagues valued his guidance, and friends cherished his unwavering support. His impact reached well beyond the newsroom, leaving a lasting mark on the community he loved.Family and Community MourningAbove all, Arnet was a family man. He is survived by his wife, Nicole, and their daughter, Lyla, who were the center of his life. Friends, family, and the mid-Missouri community are grieving the sudden loss of a man who balanced his professional success with love and devotion at home.KRCG 13 and others in the journalism community have extended heartfelt condolences to Arnet’s family, remembering him as a talented professional and a compassionate human being.
