KPLC’s Ben Terry Has Passed Away

Our family here at Townsquare Media in Lake Charles is sad to have to report that our beloved friend and media colleague Ben Terry has passed away. Ben won his fight with cancer this morning at the age of 40 years old. It is a sad day for everyone in Southwest Louisiana.

Ben started his career at KPLC in Lake Charles in 2011 and was a graduate of Mississippi State University. His friend and colleague John Bridges shared the news on Facebook this morning.

He was a trusted voice for weather in Southwest Louisiana and was there for us during the mega hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020. Ben got the support of Southwest Louisiana during this time with his dedication to us making sure we knew the latest on the storms.

He also started trending on social media and won the hearts of folks in Southwest Louisiana with his famous "Change The Channel Then" comment. Not only did people think it was great but it spawned t-shirts that were made with his picture on it and the quote which was priceless.

Unfortunately Ben learned he had cancer and was very public with his fight. We were fortunate to be on the committee of "The Friends Of Ben Terry" and assisted in helping put a benefit on for him last June of 2022. The picture below is of some of the performers who volunteered their time to play.

You will notice that one of our own, Gator 99.5's Buddy Russ is in that photo. Russ passed away from cancer back in March of this year and Russ and Ben became close as they both went through their cancer fights.

We know the pain of losing one of your own. Our hearts and prayers go out to Ben's mom and dad, his entire KPLC Tv family, and our community who held him in such high regard. Thank you Ben for your service to our community and you will always be in our hearts.

Here is a video tribute to a great man.

Funeral arrangements are pending and we will pass them along as soon as we know.