On November 3, the Lafayette community learned that Alex Labat, a 38-year-old former weekend anchor at KATC-TV, had passed away. The sudden loss reverberated through the station’s newsroom, among former classmates, and across the digital-marketing firm where he had spent the latter part of his professional life.
Labat’s journey began in the early 2000s as an intern at the very station where he would later become a familiar face. Over more than five years, he rose through the ranks, earning the trust of viewers and colleagues alike. His sudden departure prompted an outpouring of memories that highlighted both his journalistic rigor and his generous spirit.
Broadcast career and award-winning reporting
Labat’s first on-air moments came as a reporter covering routine community beats, but his talent shone brightest during moments of crisis. On the night of the tragic Grand Theater shooting in 2015, he was among the first journalists on the scene. For hours he delivered live updates with a calm, steady voice, guiding terrified viewers through a rapidly evolving story. His ability to blend factual precision with reassuring composure became a hallmark of his reporting style.
Notable coverage: Grand Theater shooting 2015
The Grand Theater incident tested the newsroom’s resources, yet Labat’s coverage earned praise for its immediacy and sensitivity. Colleagues later recalled how he “kept the information flowing while ensuring the human element wasn’t lost,” a skill that would later define his broader career.
Recognition followed his on-the-ground work. In October 2016, the Louisiana Associated Press Broadcasters Association named him Reporter of the Year, cementing his status as one of the state’s most respected journalists. Peers described him as “funny, clever, creative, and always willing to help,” a sentiment echoed by longtime anchor Jim Hummel, who lauded Labat’s capacity to switch from hard-news gravitas to uplifting feature pieces with ease.
Shift to digital marketing and AI leadership
After departing KATC, Labat embraced a new arena: digital strategy. He joined Burning Stick Creative, a Lafayette-based agency, where he spent more than seven years shaping the firm’s online presence. Rising to the role of SEO & AI manager, he guided the company through a period of rapid technological change, integrating artificial-intelligence tools to optimize search-engine performance and content workflows.
Former colleagues at the agency remembered his “thirst for knowledge” and “creative insight.” One teammate noted that Labat’s ability to demystify complex algorithms made him a valued mentor, while his willingness to lend a hand on ad-hoc projects fostered a collaborative atmosphere that still influences the agency’s culture.
Family, hobbies and lasting tribute
Beyond the newsroom and the digital lab, Labat cultivated a rich personal life. He earned a second-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, a testament to his discipline and focus. An avid gamer, he streamed on Twitch under the handle SNLabat, where he connected with an online community that admired his strategic thinking. Yet, according to his family, the role he cherished most was fatherhood. Watching his son, Lucas, compete in soccer and football filled him with pride, and weekend bleacher seats became his favorite office.
Labat is survived by his son Lucas Scott Labat, his parents Brenton and Charlene Labat, brother Brent, sister Brooke, and the mother of his son, Ashley Guidroz Labat. He was preceded in death by his grandparents on both sides. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive in Lafayette. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, people honor his memory by spending time with loved ones, attending children’s games, and creating new memories—“time spent with loved ones is the greatest gift we can give,” they wrote.
