Eli Drinkwitz delivers heartwarming tribute to late Missouri journalist Ben Arnet after unexpected death

Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz paid tribute to longtime longtime sports journalist Ben Arnet this week, who died unexpectedly on Aug. 28 at the age of 43. Arnet worked as the sports director KOMU 8, an NBC affiliate in Columbia, Missouri at the time of his death.

“I just want to acknowledge the passing of a friend in Mizzou — I’m not sure the accurate words to describe Ben,” Drinkwitz said. “But you know, Thursday, after the game, I received that news, and it was difficult to move on in the press conference because of how much Ben meant to so many people, including myself.

“He was a great man, a great, true son, and somebody that I know everybody in this room will miss him greatly and it seems inappropriate to just move on. But Ben would know there’s a story to tell. The story is not finished yet, so we’ll keep his family in prayers and continue to tell the story of Mizzou, just like he would.”

This was the first time the Missouri head coach had spoken to media about Arnet’s passing. However, Drinkwitz posted a shorter tribute to his X account the several days before, which came during the morning after hearing of the news.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Ben Arnet’s family and friends,” he wrote on Aug. 29. “Ben was more than a professional Sports Broadcaster, He lived his passion! He loved what he did and who he did it with. We will miss you, Ben! Rest In peace!”

KOMU confirmed Arnet’s death on air during an Aug. 28 broadcast stating that he “unexpectedly died” that day. News anchor Taylor Freeman said on the broadcast that those at the station are still working through the news themselves and that it was not “easy news to report.”

That night, Missouri opened the season against Central Arkansas where they defeated the Tigers 61-6. The Tigers’ defense led a shutout through three quarters and starts Missouri’s season off on a high note.

A family friend began a GoFundMe page to help raise money for Arnet’s family, which includes his wife and daughter. As of Wednesday afternoon, the page has raised over $34,000 of its $45,000 goal.

Additionally, the description of the fundraised states that Arnet’s death was caused by an “unexpected suspected cardiac event.” Over 400 people have donated as of this report.

Drinkwitz and company will be back on the field on Saturday for the Border War against rival Kansas, which Arnet was “so excited for.” Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN2.