Mark Spain, a popular news anchor at ABC affiliate WSET-TV (ABC13) in Lynchburg, VA, died Dec. 18, just three weeks after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, his wife Lynita Carter Spain announced in a Facebook post. He was 64.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my loving husband Mark,” Carter Spain wrote. “Our family along with the city of Lynchburg lost a man of hope, someone who loves this city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness. He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love. He brought so much joy, compassion, love and strength into our lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
Spain’s love for news began at an early age. He worked as a paperboy for the Cleveland Press, eventually heading to Cleveland State University where he majored in communications. He worked in various markets throughout this career, including Fort Wayne, Erie, Indianapolis and Cleveland. In 2000, he joined a station in Jacksonville, FL where he worked as an anchor for 14 years, according to WSET.
He joined WSET in 2015, winning multiple awards for his work over the years, including a Best News Anchor award from the Association Press of the Virginias in 2018 and 2019. He also was honored for Outstanding News Series in 2018 from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, and won Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program from the organization in 2022.
“His smile and positivity were known to his family, our team here at WSET, and the thousands across Lynchburg and beyond who welcomed Mark into their homes each night on TV,” the station said. “When he first addressed the community regarding his cancer diagnosis in early December, he echoed that familiar sunny outlook despite the heavy situation.”
Spain is survived by his wife Lynita, and three children.
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You can read Carter Spain’s tribute to her husband in full below.
Hello sunshines! It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my loving husband Mark. 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. He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love. He brought so much joy, compassion, love and strength into our lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. The last 23 years have been a wonderful journey filled with love, laughter and many wonderful memories. A journey that I would do all over again.
It’s surreal that it was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Our family was there with him from the beginning of the fight to the finish, until his very last breath! He fought hard, he stayed positive throughout the battle and wasn’t afraid. We have comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering, it was not easy watching him fight for his life and battle this disease, but he was not alone., and neither were we.
He encouraged those around him. He loved to help others and longed for peace and was an ambassador for positivity. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his children. He also loved his job and felt so blessed to do what he did for a living. He was one hell of a journalist and took his job very seriously. He was a pillar of the community and people loved to share how much they love and enjoyed watching him on the news.
As we navigate this difficult time, we take comfort in remembering the wonderful moments we shared with him. Your kindness and support mean the world to us. Friends, you showed up and showed out with love support during his fight!! You have all been amazing and a true village! I can’t thank you all enough for all of the prayers, cards, flowers, blankets, texts, comments and checking in on us.
This new journey, one I never thought I’d be on, as a single parent will be a new and challenging one. God is walking along side us, guiding and protecting us. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
With love,
The Spain Family
