Miami news anchor Todd Tongen, 56, found dead by police
A weekend news anchor for Miami TV station WPLG was found dead according to reports. The station, an ABC affiliate, said Todd Tongen, who was 56 was found dead by the police after his wife was unable to reach him from out of town and that the cause of death was unknown.
Tongen was a regular at the station for three decades and among his popular segments were ’10 Taxi’ wherein he drove popular guests like Joan Rivers, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Eva Mendez and Vin Diesel around in a 1967 Checker cab.
Other of his memorable broadcasts include training with the Miami Dolphins and flying with the Air Force Thunderbirds according to the Associated Press. Originally from Minnesota, he began his career there as a radio DJ in 1983.
Tongen is survived by his two sons Tyler and Ryker, and his wife Karen. Condolences poured in Monday on social media.
The Miami Heat tweeted saying: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Todd Tongen. Our thoughts are with the Tongen and @WPLGLocal10 family." While the Broward Sheriff’s office said, “Sheriff Gregory Tony and the men and women of #BSO are devastated by the loss of longtime journalist @toddtongen. Our condolences to the Tongen family and his family at @WPLGLocal10. Thank you for your decades of journalism to South Florida. You will be missed.”
CBS4 Miami said: “Our condolences to the family and friends of @WPLGLocal10's Todd Tongen. We are truly saddened at the loss of this true South Florida news legend. #RIP.”