Louisville journalist Mark Vanderhoff dies after battle with brain cancer

Long-time Louisville reporter and anchor Mark Vanderhoff died Friday after a nearly two-year battle against a form of brain cancer, glioblastoma. He was 50. 

Vanderhoff joined WLKY, where he was part of the newsroom for about a decade, in 2014. Before that, he worked at numerous outlets, including the Louisville Courier Journal. He had a reputation as a trusted political journalist in Frankfort and a friendly member of the press corps. 

“Mark Vanderhoff was an exceptional journalist. But his true legacy is found in the qualities no resume can fully capture: his courage, kindness, curiosity, optimism and unwavering willingness to serve others,” a WLKY article said. “Mark was dealt a devastating hand, but he fought brain cancer with positivity and faith. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing him is better because of it.”

Vanderhoff was diagnosed with a brain tumor in late 2024. 

Vanderhoff’s journalism career began at Trinity High School in Louisville, where he was part of the staff for the school newspaper and yearbook. He then attended the University of Kentucky and served as the editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, the Kentucky Kernel. 

According to his obituary, Vanderhoff is survived by several family members including his wife, Sheila and two children, Lucy and Chase. A private funeral service will be held Saturday, followed by a celebration of life at Vanderhoff’s home. 

Vanderhoff was also in the esteem of those he covered. Republican Attorney General Russell Coleman said on X that Vanderhoff “understood journalism was about people and he treated those people with fairness and compassion.” 

“Mark helped bring the work of the Kentucky General Assembly into Kentuckians’ homes, helping people understand the decisions that affect their lives,” the Senate Republicans said on X. “We appreciated the care he brought to that responsibility. Just as much, we appreciated the person we got to work with along the way.” 

Democratic U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey, a former state senator, said on X Vanderhoff “cared just as deeply about Kentucky as he did his reporting.”

“He brought compassion, fairness, and dedication to his work, and truly changed our communities for the better,” McGarvey said.