RIP: Mark Pilgrim, a veteran TV and radio host, died at the age of 53

Mark Pilgrim, a veteran radio and television host, died after a battle with stage four lung cancer. He was 53.

“It was with great sadness that I share this news,” Lloyd Madurai, managing director at HOT 102.7FM said in an online statement. 

“Our hero and brother and much loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45,” Madurai said in a Facebook post published an hour later. 

“He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home. They were together for his last breath. 

“The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always. Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace.”

Pilgrim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022, which had progressed to his femur, the base of his spine, and lymph nodes by the time he reported it in June.

After his diagnosis, the radio host began a YouTube video series documenting his rehabilitation process.

“This section of my Youtube channel is for anyone who is going through cancer or is supporting someone who is. It documents my journey and desire to find positivity,” reads the description of the vlog titled Mark’s Cancer Journey – 2022.

In July, Pilgrim reported after his seventh round of chemotherapy treatment that his newest scans had indicated “a further significant reduction in the tumours (in size and intensity)”.

A month later, the TV personality reported that “the tumours in the leg and spine are hopefully gone.” following a 45-minute radiation therapy session.

Pilgrim’s lung collapsed in September, causing a slew of complications.

In October and November, the journalist had a series of surgical operations to address the collapsed lung, which required him to spend weeks in the intensive care unit recuperating. He was released from the hospital just in time to celebrate the New Year with his fiancée, Adrienne Watkins.

Pilgrim was a host on Hot 102.7FM from Monday through Saturday when he died. But, due to recent health difficulties, he had to walk away from the microphone.

Pilgrim leaves behind two kids, Tayla-Jean, 12, and Alyssa, 10, whom he shared with ex-wife Nicole Torres, as well as Watkins.

In 1988, the father of two was diagnosed with and overcame severe Stage 3 testicular cancer.

Main Image: Mark Pilgrim/ Instagram

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