On December 18, 2024, veteran journalist Mark Spain passed away at the age of 64 following his recent diagnosis of Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Spain was a prominent news anchor for WSET-TV, an ABC affiliate in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Just two days after initiating chemotherapy on December 16, Spain succumbed to the disease. His wife, Lynita Carter Spain, shared the news of his death on social media, characterizing him as a man of hope, a champion of equality, and a figure of respect and kindness. She reflected on their 23-year marriage as a journey abundant in love and cherished memories.
Spain’s journalism career started at the age of nine, delivering newspapers for the Cleveland Press in Ohio. After earning his Communications degree from Cleveland State University, he worked in several key markets including Indianapolis, Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio, and Jacksonville, Florida. In 2015, he joined WSET-TV, anchoring the evening and late shows.
Spain’s tenure at WSET-TV was marked by several awards, including Best News Anchor by the Association Press of the Virginias in 2018 and 2019. He also won first place for Outstanding News Series in 2018 and Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program in 2022 from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters, thanks to his deep investigative work and focus on community issues.
Prior to joining WSET-TV, Spain dedicated 14 years to Jacksonville’s First Coast News in Florida. General Manager Tim Thomas expressed his sorrow over Spain’s passing, highlighting his commitment to improving the First Coast through his stories. Spain was also recognized for his mentorship of young professionals and his dedication to covering community impact stories.
The community of Lynchburg rallied around Spain after his cancer diagnosis, organizing a “Purple Out” day as a show of solidarity. Liberty University in Lynchburg lit its Freedom Tower in purple, one of Spain’s favorite colors, in his honor. The Danville Police Department also offered condolences, acknowledging Spain’s comprehensive coverage of their department stories.
Spain made a significant impact on local initiatives, including raising $75,000 for the Jubilee Family Development Center in Lynchburg. Former colleague Kristen Mirand, currently with WKBW-TV in Buffalo, New York, remembered Spain as an inspiring figure committed to mentoring young journalists and delivering compassionate, accurate reporting.
His colleagues at WSET-TV commemorated Spain for his positivity and infectious smile. They reflected on his optimism even after sharing his cancer diagnosis with the community in early December. Spain’s impact on his family, the WSET-TV team, and the viewers in Lynchburg and beyond who invited him into their homes each night was profound.
Spain is survived by his wife Lynita and their three children, two daughters and a son. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in support of his family, raising over $29,000 so far.
A celebration of life was held at Thomas Road Baptist Church on Saturday, January 4, at 2 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the service was livestreamed on their website, beginning shortly before 2 p.m.