Champaign TV news anchor Dave Benton has died, about a year and half after telling viewers he had brain cancer.
Benton had been with WCIA since 2005, and chose to continue working long after his November 2013 diagnosis, saying he wanted to live life as normal as possible.
Benton only stepped down from the anchor desk last month, saying the brain tumor affected his ability to do his job.
Benton was also involved in the community, serving on the board of Champaign County Crime Stoppers, and hosting programs that helped local law enforcement. A ‘Dave Benton Crime Fighter’ award will be given out annually in his honor.
Illinois Public Radio’s Jeff Bossert spoke with Benton last December. They talked about how he tried to help others get through their struggles:
WCIA-TV anchor Dave Benton, who passed away today after an 18-month battle with brain cancer. He was 52.