Mark Spain, a highly respected and award-winning news anchor at WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away on December 18th, just three weeks after receiving a devastating pancreatic cancer diagnosis. He was 64 years old. His sudden passing has left a void in the local community and the journalism world, where he was known for his unwavering commitment to truth and his compassionate storytelling.
Spain’s wife, Lynita Spain, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook on December 19th. In her post, she described him as a “man of hope, someone who loves his city and stood for equality, treating others with respect and kindness.” She emphasized his dedication to his family and community, stating, “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 news of Spain’s rapid decline and passing shocked the community. Lynita acknowledged the swiftness of the tragedy, writing, “It’s surreal that it was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.” She detailed his courageous fight against the disease, saying, “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.”
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WSET, the ABC affiliate where Spain worked for eight years, published a moving tribute honoring his contributions as a journalist and community leader. The station described him as a “champion of the community” who tackled tough topics with unwavering dedication. “Mark dug deep into important issues for Virginians,” WSET wrote. “Things like capital punishment, vaccines, mask mandates during the pandemic, gun laws — there was no difficult subject he was afraid to face if it meant fighting for a story that needed to be told.”
Beyond his impactful reporting, Spain was deeply involved in numerous local philanthropic endeavors. He spearheaded fundraising efforts for Jubilee’s new media center, mentored a young man through Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and actively participated in fundraising for the Salvation Army and Mustaches for Kids. His commitment extended beyond the newsroom, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Before joining WSET in 2015, Spain honed his journalistic skills at First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida, where he worked for fifteen years. Tim Thomas, general manager of First Coast News, expressed his condolences, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. He always worked to better the First Coast in every story he produced. Our thoughts are with his wife Lynita and his three children during this difficult time.” His career also included stints in Indianapolis and Cleveland, demonstrating his wide-ranging impact on local journalism.
WSET highlighted Spain’s numerous awards and accolades, testament to his exceptional journalism throughout his career. His dedication to delivering accurate and compelling news earned him the respect of colleagues and viewers alike. He was known for his warm and engaging on-air presence, often greeting his audience with a cheerful “Hi sunshines!” on social media.
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In a poignant Facebook post on December 9th, just days before his passing, Spain shared his diagnosis with his followers and expressed his determination to fight the disease. “Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer is something I would have never imagined for myself,” he wrote. He outlined his upcoming chemotherapy treatment and affirmed his unwavering optimism, saying, “My plan is to get through this and become a Cancer Survivor. So, please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming.”
Lynita Spain’s December 19th Facebook update painted a vivid picture of Mark as a devoted husband and father who cherished his family and his career. “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,” she shared. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community, acknowledging the “prayers, cards, flowers, blankets, texts, comments and checking in on us.”
Looking ahead, Lynita acknowledged the challenges of navigating life without Mark but expressed faith in her ability to raise their children with the guidance and support of their community. “This new journey, one I never thought I’d be on, as a single parent will be a new and challenging one,” she wrote. “God is walking along side us, guiding and protecting us. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.” A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the Spain family with expenses, and it has already raised over $28,000, a testament to the profound impact Mark Spain had on those who knew him.
