A GoFundMe campaign aims to aid the family of Ben Arnet, the late sports director at KOMU 8 TV and a longtime presence on the mid-Missouri sports scene.

Arnet, who died Aug. 28 at age 43 "after an unexpected suspected cardiac event," was a Columbia native who graduated from Hickman High School and the University of Missouri, as the GoFundMe page notes .

"Ben has been a very involved and important part of our Mid-Missouri community for decades. He delivered exceptional coverage of Friday Night Fever, Hoops Extra, Mizzou football and more. His love of sports was matched only by his love for his family," the page reads in part.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $34,000 of its $45,000 goal with nearly 425 donations.

"As a family friend to Ben and Nicole, I felt

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