Veteran Channel Seven news anchor Rob Brough faces profound grief following the death of his daughter, Jess Willmott, who succumbed to aggressive cancer.

Tragic Turn After Brief Remission

Jess Willmott, a devoted mother of three, passed away on Thursday. She had received a clean bill of health from breast cancer just one month prior, only to face a swift and aggressive brain tumor.

Her husband, Tammen Willmott, shared the heartbreaking news on a GoFundMe page established to aid the family during her illness, where he served as her full-time caregiver.

‘Jess was deeply loved—as a wife, a mother, a friend, and an extraordinary human,’ Tammen wrote. ‘The space she leaves behind is immeasurable, and our family is navigating a loss that words cannot fully capture.’

He praised her strength, courage, and resilience, while expressing gratitude to the community for their support. ‘We want to thank every single person who has supported us, prayed for us, donated, and stood beside us throughout this journey. Your kindness has carried us more than you could ever know.’

Brough Steps Away to Support Family

Brough, 71, left his longtime on-air position covering regional Queensland bulletins in late 2024. This decision allowed him to focus on Jess and her young family on the Sunshine Coast.

For years, Brough anchored nightly news for Channel Seven across the Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay, and Mackay. In a 2025 interview with ABC Sunshine Coast radio, he detailed the challenges.

‘About four years ago our daughter Jess was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was pretty confronting,’ Brough stated. ‘We got to a tough stage where things weren’t working and not a lot of options were available. It was just an easy choice for me to leave work and spend as much time as I could around her and her family.’

Brough now dedicates his time to helping raise Jess’s children—Indigo, Milla, and Madden. ‘That’s a beautiful thing because bringing up your children and then being a part of your grandchildren’s upbringing is as good as it gets,’ he shared.

A History of Family Loss

This loss echoes a previous tragedy for Brough, who nearly three decades ago mourned the sudden death of his three-year-old son, Sam.

During Brough’s absence, anchors Nathan Spurling and Joanne Desmond have taken over Seven’s regional bulletins, including those from Cairns.

Storied Career in Broadcasting

Brough launched his career in radio during the 1970s, later transitioning to television with ABC and Channel Nine before joining Channel Seven.