Beloved THV11 Meteorologist Ed Buckner Dies at 59: Tributes Pour In for Arkansas Weather Icon

Longtime Little Rock residents are mourning the loss of beloved weather authority Ed Buckner, former chief meteorologist at THV11, who died early Tuesday at the age of 59 after a courageous fight against cancer. Buckner spent more than two decades guiding Arkansans through ice storms, tornado outbreaks, and scorching summer heat—often delivering forecasts with the reassuring sign-off, “We’ll get through this together.” Career rooted in Arkansas weather Buckner joined THV11 (KTHV-TV) in the early 1990s and quickly rose to chief meteorologist, earning viewers’ trust with clear, calm explanations during severe-weather cut-ins. His on-air tenure stretched from analog radar days to the digital Doppler era, making him one of the state’s most recognizable broadcasters. Colleagues recall that Buckner’s encyclopedic memory for past storms often helped producers put current threats in historical context. Health battle and extended leave In 2023 Buckner announced he would take an indefinite leave to focus on recovery, telling fans he was “working hard to heal” and thanking them for decades of support. Viewers flooded social media with well-wishes, underscoring the bond he had cultivated across central Arkansas living rooms. Family legacy continues on air The Buckner broadcasting tradition lives on: daughter Brooke Buckner recently joined THV11’s reporting staff, crediting her father for sparking her passion for storytelling. Station managers say Brooke’s presence on the team offers “a daily reminder of Ed’s mentorship and kindness.” Community tributes pour in • Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted condolences, praising Buckner for “keeping families safe when seconds mattered.” • Little Rock National Weather Service issued a statement noting Buckner’s “unparalleled dedication to public safety.” • Fans have begun leaving flowers outside the THV11 studio and sharing favorite “Ed-isms,” such as his trademark advice to “turn around, don’t drown” during flash-flood coverage. Impact beyond the green screen Buckner frequently visited schools to teach children about storm preparedness and was a fixture at nonprofit fundraisers. Meteorology students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock credit his classroom visits for inspiring their career paths. Funeral arrangements and ways to honor Family representatives say a public celebration of life will be held Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock; doors open at 10 a.m., service begins at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Buckner’s name. THV11 plans to air a one-hour special this Friday at 7 p.m. showcasing archival footage and viewer tributes. SEO takeaway With his passing, searches for “Ed Buckner death,” “THV11 chief meteorologist,” and “Little Rock meteorologist passes away” are surging. Readers seeking local weather history, information on the memorial service, and details about Brooke Buckner’s career will find comprehensive answers here—honoring a man whose life’s work was keeping Arkansans informed and safe.