A respected sports journalist, Ben Arnet, is survived by his loving wife and their 9-year-old daughter, who now faces life without her father.
Ben Afent was a respected American sports anchor, reporter, and director at KOMU 8 News in Columbia, Missouri.
Columbia native and Hickman High School graduate, Arnet led KOMU 8’s Sports department for five years.
Previously, he had reporting stints in Arizona, Kansas, and upstate New York, and nearly a decade covering Mizzou Athletics.
Tragically, on August 28, 2025, he passed away at the age of 43, leaving behind his beloved wife, Nicole, and their children.
The cause of his demise remains under wraps. However, on March 24, 2025, his wife, Nicole, posted on her Facebook, saying:
One week ago, we spent 9 hours in the ER before Ben was admitted to MU Hospital. While we waited for what we thought would be emergency surgery, the meds they gave him worked so well overnight, they discharged him and told him to “come back in a couple of days” for surgery. Thursday: surgery scheduled at 7:30 a.m. and on our way home (less one gallbladder) by noon.
Thank goodness Ben’s recovery has gone smoothly! He was determined to take his girl to see her favorite NHL player play against their team on Saturday.
This suggests that Ben Arnet had undergone emergency surgery related to his gallbladder about five months ago.
He spent a long time in the ER, was admitted to MU Hospital, and had surgery to remove his gallbladder.
Moreover, her post suggests that the surgery went well, his recovery was smooth, and he was able to enjoy time with his family afterward.
Ben Arnet And His Beloved Wife, Nicole, Were Together For 15 Years!
Ben Arnet and Nicole were married on August 12, 2010. They have a 9-year-old daughter named Lyla, who is currently in the fifth grade.
Originally from Maize, now living in Columbia, Missouri, Nicole is a seasoned professional with a diverse career in administration and media.
She studied Communication at Wichita State University and attended Maize Senior High School.
Currently, she is working as an Executive Assistant at the Mizzou Alumni Association.
Additionally, she works as an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Residential Life Planning & Design at the University of Missouri.
Previously, she held roles as a Front Desk Receptionist at Hotel Indigo, a Community Connector at WGRZ, and an Assignment Editor at KAKE News.
Ben Arnet and his wife had just celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary.
But tragically, less than a month later, he passed away, leaving his wife and their young daughter behind.
Nicole remained private and mourned the loss of an essential part of her life.
May she find strength and comfort in the love of family and friends during this heartbreaking time.
