News Anchor Matt Turner Dies in Car Accident
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 9, 2012
He leaves behind his wife Julee and their young daughter Preslee, along with his mother and brother.
After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University, Matt began working for KARK's parent company Nexstar Broadcasting in 2003. For a period of 8 years, he was a fixture of the KNWA news team in Northwest Arkansas.
KARK viewers will likely remember his time in the Razorback Nation and numerous special reports that garnered statewide attention. In July, Matt left KNWA to deliver the news for KTHV in Little Rock and be closer to family in Arkadelphia.
"Everyone at KARK extends our condolences to the Turner family," said KARK General Manager Mike Vaughn. "I had the pleasure of working with Matt for a number of years while I was in Fayetteville. For me and many of the KARK employees, this loss is very personal. Matt was a close friend. Julee and Preslee are in our prayers."
Turner caught the eye of Vaughn and Nexstar 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 at KNWA 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.
"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.
To view a slideshow of Matt through the years, click here. You can also find KARK team member's memories of Matt and KTHV's official statement on our website.
Click here for a memorial page on Facebook for Matt Turner.
