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TV star tragedy: Devastating reason why popular news anchor killed himself

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Popular US news anchor Todd Tongen was found dead on Monday at his Florida home, and now the reporter’s brother Scott has revealed the heartbreaking reason why Todd may have taken his own life.

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WATCH: Todd’s brother explains why he thinks the news anchor ended his life

Todd, 56, died as a result of suicide, according to his brother and Local 10 News, the Miami station where he worked for three decades. 

According to the outlet, Todd’s wife was on holiday in Italy with their younger son and unable to reach her husband. She asked a friend to check on him and then police were eventually called, with the reporter was found dead on Monday morning.

Todd’s brother, Scott Tongen told the outlet he had no idea his brother was struggling. 

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“I don’t really think he was thinking about ending his life, as far as I know,” he told Local 10, noting that Todd had upcoming plans for a trip to Las Vegas and Canada.

“But there was clearly something that was bothering him.”

“He left some garbled messages that we haven’t seen yet, but there was a simple note that said he was lost and to forgive him,” Scott added.

Todd Tongen
Todd worked at WPLG Local 10 News for 30 years (Credit: Local10)
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Scott revealed he believed his brother suffered from a fear of dying from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a progressive disease that also took their mother’s life in August 2017.

“I’m convinced that he thought he had it,” Scott told Local 10, saying his brother had been having some balance issues, which plagued their mother at the onset of the disease.

“Whether there was conclusive evidence or not, I think he thought he had it, and that may have been enough.”

LBD is the same disease Robin Williams was suffering from before he died of suicide in August 2014 at age 63, according to his widow Susan Williams.

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If you, or someone you know is suffering and needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au

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