A Miami journalist whose death shocked colleagues, viewers and officials this week reportedly took his own life because he was afraid he was suffering the same terminal illness that his mother suffered, it has been revealed.

Todd Tongen was found dead in his home Sunday after taking his own life
His brother revealed he thought he was developing lewy body dementia
The 56-year-old had worked for WPLG TV in Miami for nearly three decades
His body was discovered after he missed the morning's broadcast at WPLG
Best known for '10 Taxi,' in which he drove celebrities around in a Checker cab
Celebrities include, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendez, Vin Diesel and Joan Rivers
Tongen won Emmy Award for feature reporting and received six nominations
The beloved anchor is survived by wife, Karen, and their sons, Tyler and Ryker
For confidential help or advice, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255