Matt Turner, anchor at Little Rock’s KTHV, died Saturday night when state police say his vehicle ran off the interstate and hit a highway sign. Turner had joined the station just last month, coming from KNWA (NBC) in Fayetteville, AR.
“Matt always loved and protected his family and his greatest asset was his love for his daughter Preslee,” Turner’s family said in a statement posted to the CBS affiliate’s website.
“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.”
The station aired a tribute to Turner as well as posting a gallery of candid photos. You can click the link to view the photo tribute and view the video after the jump.
When he was hired by KTHV in August, Turner, a native of the area said, “My wife and I are coming home and now I’m a part of a television station that I grew up watching. My mom and family will see me covering the Little Rock area and that will be one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Matt Turner is survived by his wife Julee and daughter Preslee Bell, his mother, Lisa, and his brother, Andy.
Watch the video tribute from his fellow KTHV anchors Craig O’Neill and Dawn Scott below: