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Media figures are mourning the death of a beloved television news anchor who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mark Spain, 64, who spent decades anchoring the news in various markets including Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Jacksonville, died on Dec. 18.
Spain was most recently employed at WSET-TV, the ABC affiliate in Lynchburg, Va., where he served as a weekday news anchor.
“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.”
Kristen Mirand, a reporter and anchor at Buffalo-based WKBW-TV and a former colleague of Spain’s at Sinclair-owned WSET-TV, paid tribute to the veteran journalist last week.
“To know Mark Spain was to know positivity, faith & kindness,” Mirand wrote on her X account.
Mirand praised Spain as “more than a gifted journalist,” calling him “an incredible person who inspired everyone he met.”
“His legacy will live on,” she wrote, adding a heart emoji.
The Danville, Va. police department also mourned Spain’s loss, writing on X: “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.”
Earlier this month, the Lynchburg community participated in a Purple Out day for Spain after it was learned he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Liberty University lit up its Freedom Tower in purple, one of the late anchor’s favorite colors, to show solidarity with Spain’s fight against the disease.
Spain is survived by his wife, Lynita, and their three children.
English (US)