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American Idol winner David Cook's brother has died

By April MacIntyre May 4, 2009, 13:48 GMT

American Idol winner David Cook has lost his brother to a 10 year-fight to brain cancer.

Adam Cook died this past Saturday, May 2.

David Cook announced his passing Sunday morning before the 12th annual Race for Hope 5K in Washington, D.C.

"I actually lost my brother yesterday to a brain tumor and I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now," Cook, 26, People magazine reported.

Cook was at the benefit for brain cancer research serving as grand marshal and running with a team that raised $98,000.

The entire season of American Idol that saw David Cook's rise in the competition was underscored by Cook's devotion to his Indiana family and the deep friendship to his brother, Adam, 37, who was able to have a chance to see his brother perform in April 2008 on the AI stage.

The Idol judges were quick to offer statements of support for the singer whose trademark was to change up rock standards and make them uniquely his own,

Simon Cowell issued a statement on Sunday, “I was incredibly saddened to hear the news, I met Adam Cook a few times at American Idol. He was an incredible guy, and right now my thoughts are with David and his family.”

Cook's success and subsequent tour post-Idol had the singer taking time off to be with his brother this past year, according to People.

Cook told the crowd assembled on Sunday at the benefit, "I lost one today," addressing all the runners, supporters and organizers, "but I gained 9,000 [friends] and I will be here every year that they will have me."