WSET Anchor Mark Spain Dies of Pancreatic Cancer

WSET anchor Mark Spain has died, just three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

“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,” his wife wrote on social media. “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.”

Spain worked as an anchor and reporter for First Coast News from 2000 to 2007 and at Action News Jax from 2007 to 2014 until he was one of five anchors let go. He joined ABC 13 in Lynchburg, Va. in 2015 and was a lead anchor of the evening and late shows.

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. When he first addressed the community regarding his cancer diagnosis in early December, he echoed that familiar sunny outlook despite the heavy situation.

WSET

Spain started his journalism career early, as 9-year-old paperboy for the Cleveland Press, according to ABC 13. He majored in communications at Cleveland State University and worked multiple jobs in the journalism industry, including in Fort Wayne, Erie, Indianapolis and Cleveland.