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An Illinois news anchor who announced in September he had just four to six months left to live has passed away.

Dave Benton, who worked for WCIA-TV in Champaign until just last month, died after a brave battle with brain cancer.

He left his job in April after revealing his treatments were no longer working, making it impossible for him to do his job.

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Tragedy: Dave Benton (above with Jennifer Roscoe), who worked for WCIA-TV in Champaign, Illinois until just last month, died after a brave battle with brain cancer Tuesday

Horrible loss: The news anchor leaves behind his wife and two sons (above)

WCIA-TV news director Andy Miller said that Benton died Tuesday at home, leaving behind his wife and two sons.

Miller called the man 'a model for working as a newsman and for handling terminal illness with grace.' 

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Last September, Benton, a born-again Christian, revealed his diagnosis and said on-air that he believes he's in God's hands and knows that he will take care of the days ahead.

He then thanked his viewers for their support in the emotional broadcast, saying he wanted to make the most of his final days.

Benton had previously updated his fans of his cancer treatment earlier in the year via Twitter, but after completing radiation treatment in February, the cancer came back. 

In the months after his announcement, his tumor began to shrink, but that December her revealed on Facebook that another tumor had been discovered by doctors.

He continued to work however, until his announcement in April.

Farewell: Benton annoucned he would be going off the air in April on Facebook

'I want to update all of you on what's happening with my health. The last time we talked was about five months ago. I found out two weeks ago that the tumor has grown. The treatments aren't working and it's affecting my ability to anchor the news,' wrote the veteran newsman.

'So today I'm stepping down from the desk. I hope to still be a part of the newscast a little longer with my Crime Watch stories at 5:00.

'Jennifer and I will be making the announcement on the 6:00 news tonight.'

He had been with the station for nine years. 

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