Chalk Bluff, Texas – Tragedy struck the Chalk Bluff community on Monday, August 12, 2024, when Karen Werner, 65, was found dead from a gunshot wound at her home. Her husband, John Werner, 67, a retired longtime sportswriter for the Tribune-Herald, was also discovered at the scene with a similar gunshot wound and remains in critical condition on life support.
The incident unfolded when John Werner placed an emergency call around 3 p.m. Deputies from the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call and were met with a devastating scene. The couple was immediately transported to a local hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, Karen Werner was pronounced dead.
A suicide note was discovered at the scene, adding complexity to the investigation, which is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details, but the presence of the note suggests that the incident may have been influenced by deep personal struggles.
John Werner, a respected figure in the community, had recently retired after a distinguished career spanning four decades at The Waco Tribune-Herald. He was known for his dedication to journalism and his passion for sports writing. Outside of his professional life, John was an avid hiker who found joy in exploring the outdoors.
Karen Werner had also recently retired, concluding a long career in public education. She was deeply committed to shaping the educational journeys of countless students throughout her career.
The shocking news has left the community mourning the loss of Karen and praying for John’s recovery. On Facebook, friends and colleagues expressed their grief and disbelief.
“Just awful… John was a great guy. Also good to me whenever I interacted with him. Definite prayers their way,” wrote Philip McCaslin.
Marc R. Masferrer added, “I’m heartbroken.”
The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, as the community struggles to come to terms with the loss of two well-regarded individuals whose lives were deeply intertwined with their love for each other and their dedication to their professions.