Former THV11 Meteorologist Ed Buckner Dies at 59

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ed Buckner, former chief meteorologist for THV11, passed away at age 59 after a battle with cancer. Buckner, who served in the role for nearly 25 years, was a prominent face in Arkansas weather coverage and became a trusted source during severe weather events.

Colleagues remembered Buckner as a mentor and friend. KATV Chief Meteorologist Barry Brandt described him as a talented gentleman, saying, “Ed was such a sharp, polite gentleman and so talented in so many ways. He left us too soon.” Meteorologist James Bryant reflected on his first experience in television thanks to Buckner, recalling a summer Kidcaster campaign that inspired his career.

Born on June 17, 1965, Buckner grew up in Houston, Texas. He graduated from St. Pius X High School in 1983 before earning his meteorology degree at Mississippi State University. He joined the THV11 weather team in 1996 and was instrumental during significant weather events, including the infamous tornado outbreak on January 21, 1999. On that day, he and his team tracked 56 tornadoes, including an F3 that struck Little Rock.

His contributions to the community included a place in the Museum of Discovery for Tornado Alley Theater, showcasing his coverage of the event. Tom Brannon, who worked alongside Buckner, described him as a great friend and mentor, while Craig O’Neill emphasized his integrity and compassion, stating, “There’s a word that sums up his career, his life, his legacy: trust.”

A musician at heart, Buckner released a children’s album in 2001 titled “Weather Songs for Kids,” featuring catchy tunes like “Puffy the Cumulus Cloud.” In early 2020, he stepped away from his meteorology work due to complications from Tourette Syndrome.

His kindness and dedication to safety in forecasting left a lasting impact on those he worked with. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, and five children, along with seven grandchildren. One daughter, Ashton Eakin, passed away in 2019 after her own battle with cancer.