Mark Spain, News Anchor At Virginia’s ABC 13, Dies At 64

Mark Spain, news anchor at ABC affiliate WSET-TV (ABC 13) in Lynchburg, Virginia, died on Dec. 18, less than a month after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 64.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my loving husband Mark,” Spain’s wife, Lynita Carter Spain, wrote on Facebook, Deadline reported. “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 joined WSET in 2015 and has won several awards for his work throughout his time at the station, including Best News Anchor awards from the Association Press of the Virginias in both 2018 and 2019. The 64-year-old also received an Outstanding News Series award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in 2018. In 2022, he also won a Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program award from the organization. 

“Tonight we are celebrating the life of Mark Spain even as we grieve his sudden death after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. But we know we are not alone in mourning–you, the community, are too,” WSET wrote in a tribute to its website. “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.”

According to the New York Post, several of Spain’s colleagues from throughout his career paid their own tributes on social media.

“To know Mark Spain was to know positivity, faith & kindness,” Kristen Mirand, a former WSET colleague of Spain’s, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He was the anchor at my last news station in VA. More than a gifted journalist, he was an incredible person who inspired everyone he met Mark passed away after battling pancreatic cancer. His legacy will live on [sic]”

The Danville, Virginia, police department also addressed Spain’s passing on X.

“#DanvillePD extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of @ABC13News anchor Mark Spain. He was a familiar face on WSET each evening in many homes throughout Danville, and very professionally covered several news stories about the Department. Mark will be missed,” the department wrote.

Spain is survived by his wife and three children.