Veteran television journalist Liz Bonis has died after quietly battling cancer for three years.
Bonis, a registered dietitian and longtime medical reporter for Cincinnati’s WKRC Local 12, passed away at her home on April 30. She first joined the station in 2002 and became a familiar, trusted face to viewers who relied on her health and medical reporting.
According to the station, Bonis was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 but chose to keep her illness private. During her battle, she underwent five surgeries and participated in six clinical trials involving experimental oncology drugs.
Even as her own treatment options became limited, Bonis continued working. Local 12 said she was still at her desk in her final days, reporting on new medical technology and cancer treatments.
Viewers were stunned when anchor Kim Stephens announced the heartbreaking news on Fox 26 News.
“Liz Bonis died last night after secretly battling colon cancer,” Stephens said. “We are told she was at her desk in her last few days. With more than 30 years at WKRC, Liz dedicated her life to being our health correspondent.”
Tributes quickly poured in from viewers who had watched Bonis for years and were shocked to learn she had been sick.
“I didn’t realize she was sick. Sorry to learn she passed away,” one person wrote.
Another viewer shared, “I watched Liz for so many years and just loved her spirit. She will be missed so much. RIP LIZ.”
A third wrote, “My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, co-workers and the whole communities she touched. In the blink of an eye she is in heaven. Thanks Ms. Bonis.”
Local 12 remembered Bonis as a journalist who stayed focused on helping others, even while facing her own devastating health crisis.
“Even at the end of her life, she told no one about her fight. Instead, she reported vigorously on new medical technology and cancer treatments even as her options dwindled,” the station said.
“She chose instead to assist researchers and patients looking for solutions to others’ health challenges rather than focus on her own.”
The station added that Bonis “died like she lived, always determined to do the best she could on that day.”
What's Up Team