Local news anchor Mark Spain passed away at 64

Three weeks after receiving a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Mark Spain, a renowned and award-winning local television news journalist in Virginia, passed away. He was 64 years old.

Lynita Spain, the widow of ABC affiliate WSET anchor, reported on Facebook on Thursday, December 19, that her husband had died the day before, on December 18. “Our family, along with the city of Lynchburg, lost a man of hope, someone who loves his city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness,” according to her statement.

She went on to say, “He was a husband, father, brother, friend, and a wonderful influence in the community. My first real love. He brought so much pleasure, compassion, love, and strength into our lives, and everyone who knew him will miss him greatly.”

Lynita expressed, “It’s incredible that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer precisely three weeks ago yesterday.” “Our family was with him from the start of the struggle to the end, till his last breath! He battled hard, remained cheerful throughout the conflict, and was not terrified. We take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering. It was difficult to watch him fight for his life and battle this cancer, but he was not alone, and neither were we.

In a tribute post, WSET, which also reported Mark’s death, described their colleague as a “champion of the community” who was never hesitant to ask tough questions and interview local leaders. “Mark dug deeply into important issues for Virginians,” the station reported. “Mark was willing to tackle any challenging topic, including capital punishment, vaccines, mask mandates during the pandemic, and gun laws, as long as it meant pursuing a compelling story.”

WSET also recognized Mark’s services to the community outside of his employment at the station. “He raised $75,000 for Jubilee’s new media center this summer. He mentored a young guy as part of ABC13’s cooperation with Big Brothers Big Sisters. He collaborated with the Salvation Army to ring the bell and generate funds for the charity,” the station stated, adding, “He even took on the chore of growing a mustache for Mustaches for Kids.”

Mark joined WSET, situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 2015. He previously worked for First Coast News in Jacksonville, Fla., starting in 2000, according to the station.

WSET also highlighted that Spain’s journalism career carried him to Indianapolis and Cleveland, as well as Jacksonville and Lynchburg. “His excellent journalism was prize-winning; throughout his time at ABC13 he took home multiple awards,” according to the station.

Tim Thomas, the managing manager of First Coast News, also paid tribute to Mark, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the news of his passing.” Every narrative he wrote aimed to improve the First Coast. We are deeply concerned about his wife Lynita and his three children during this difficult period.

Mark’s Facebook updates frequently began with the salutation, “Hi, sunshines!” In a December 9th post, he thanked the public for their support of him and his family during his sickness. “Stage 4 pancreatic cancer is something I would have never imagined for myself,” he said on his blog. “I’ll begin chemo on December 16, and we will see how things go.”

“My plan is to get through this and become a cancer survivor,” he told reporters afterward. “So, please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming.”

In her Spain Family update on December 19th, Lynita recalled her husband as a wonderful family man. “He also enjoyed his profession and felt fortunate to do what he did for a career. He was an excellent journalist who took his profession quite seriously.” He was a pillar of the community, and people loved to share how much they adored and enjoyed watching him on the news,” she wrote.

She also thanked her followers for their support. “You have all been amazing and a true village!” Lynita wrote. “I am deeply grateful for all the prayers, cards, flowers, blankets, texts, comments, and regular check-ins,” Lynita wrote.

“This new journey, one I never thought I’d be on as a single parent, will be new and challenging,” she told me. “God walks beside us, guiding and protecting us. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.

We have set up a GoFundMe page to support Spain’s family. As of Thursday, December 26, it had raised more than $28,000.