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A longtime Miami news anchor and reporter Todd Tongen met a tragic end at age 56 when he committed suicide, according to WPLG Local 10 News . According to the outlet where Tongen worked for 30 years, Tongen’s wife was on vacation in Italy with their younger son when she was unable to reach her husband. She asked a friend to check on Tongen and eventually, the police were called. The anchor was found dead in his home on Monday morning. Text “RICKEY” to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). Tongen’s death was a complete shock for many of the people who knew him. His brother, Dr. Scott Tongen, told Local 10 that he had no clue Todd was struggling. “I don’t really think he was thinking about ending his life, as far as I know,” he said, explaining that Todd had upcoming plans for a trip to Canada and Las Vegas. “But there was clearly something that was bothering him.” Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s the ultimate sign of strength. If you’re struggling, please know people love you. Get help for yourself and for them. Praying for Todd’s family. https://t.co/zIBH0IAVAL — Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) June 5, 2019 “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 continued. Sign Up For Our Newsletter! Close Thank you for subscribing! Please be sure to open and click your first newsletter so we can confirm your subscription. Email Submit Scott said he believes his brother suffered from a looming fear of dying from Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which is a progressive disease that also cost the life of his mother back in August 2017. “I’m convinced that he thought he had it,” Tongen told Local 10, explaining that his brother had been having some balance issues, which their mother also experienced at the start of her disease. “Whether there was conclusive evidence or not, I think he thought he had it, and that may have been enough.” SEE ALSO: Atlanta News Anchor Goes Off To Beyoncé’s “Before I Let Go” [VIDEO] LBD is the same disease Robin Williams had before he died of suicide in August 2014 at age 63, according to his widow Susan Williams . In response to the tragic news, WPLG President and CEO Bert Medina released a statement to the outlet about Todd and the memories the station would cherish: “We are shocked and saddened by the death of Todd Tongen, but we are choosing to remember how he lived,” Medina said. “Todd was an incredibly talented journalist. He spent 30 years at WPLG telling the stories of the people in our community and giving so much of himself to this community. He was an incredible person. He lit up the room with his warm personality.” He continued: “As hard as it is, our news team is reporting on the circumstance of Todd’s death, we will report on this painful subject of suicide and mental health and perhaps we can help one person out there who is struggling. We miss Todd terribly. Our staff is suffering, but I commend them for how they’ve handled this situation with grace, strength and professionalism.” Anchor Todd Tongen Killed Himself as He Believed He Had Same Dementia That Killed His Mom: Brother https://t.co/K4coJtAimR — People (@people) June 6, 2019 All condolences to Tongen and his family. Source: Bossip.com ALSO TRENDING ON RICKEYSMILEYMORNINGSHOW.COM : Here Are Photos Of Diddy’s Rumored New Girlfriend Gina Huynh 9 Times Gabrielle Union’s Bikini Body Sent Us Straight To The Gym Meteorologist Airs Out “Bachelorette” Watchers Over Complaints About Weather Reports Follow @TheRSMS
