Frank Caprio, a retired judge from Rhode Island in the US, who found online fame as host of "Caught in Providence", has died. He was 88.
His son told NBC 10 News that Caprio died at 2:15 p.m. He had been battling cancer.
His official social media accounts said Wednesday he "passed away peacefully" after "a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer."
Caprio on Tuesday posted a video on social media of himself at the hospital asking for prayers after suffering a health "setback."
"Last year I asked you to pray for me, and it's very obvious that you did, because I came through a very difficult period," he said in the video. "Unfortunately, I've had a setback and I'm back at the hospital."
In 2023, he asked for prayers after announcing he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
A year later, he announced on social media that he had finished his final radiation treatment.
Caprio billed his courtroom as a place "where people and cases are met with kindness and compassion." He was known for dismissing tickets or showing kindness even when he handed out justice.
His show was filmed in his courtroom and featured his folksy humor and compassion.
Clips from the show have had more than 1 billion views on social media.
During his time on the bench, Caprio developed a persona at odds with many TV judges — more sympathetic and less confrontational and judgmental.
In his bite-sized segments on YouTube, Caprio is often seen empathizing with those in his courtroom.
Many of the infractions are also relatively minor, from failing to use a turn signal to a citation for a loud party.
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