Award-winning American news anchor Mark Spain has died. He was 64.
The Virginia television journalist was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three weeks before his death, which was confirmed by his wife Lynita Spain in a statement shared to his official Facebook page.
”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,” Lynita’s message, which confirmed he died on December 18, began.
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“He was a husband, father, brother, friend and a positive light in the community. My first true love,” she continued.
“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.”
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Lynita confirmed she was by his side as he took his last breath, noting how he had stayed positive throughout his short battle with the disease and “wasn’t afraid”.
“We have comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering, it was not easy watching him fight for his life and battle this disease, but he was not alone, and neither were we,” she wrote.
Lynita’s statement also reflected on his lengthy career in journalism, which most recently saw him as an anchor for Lynchburg, Virginia, ABC affiliate WSET, but also took him Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as Jacksonville in Florida.
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“He encouraged those around him. He loved to help others and longed for peace and was an ambassador for positivity. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his children,” Lynita, who shares three children with her late husband, wrote.
“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.”
Lynita then addressed her husband’s followers directly, thanking them for their “kindness and support” and being a “true village” as the family navigates their time of difficulty – while also issuing a plea.
”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,” Lynita concluded.
It was December 6 when Mark’s followers – whom both Lynita and Mark affectionately referred to as “sunshines” – were greeted with news no one ever wants to see on their social media feed.
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”Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer is something I would have never imagined for myself. I’ll begin chemo on December 16 and we will see how things go. A referral to [UVA Health University Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia] is also in the works for a second opinion,” he wrote on Facebook.
“At this stage in the fight, I am weak and uncomfortable. Getting a restful sleep is not easy at all,” he continued.
“I remain positive and hopeful. My daughter drove down from Cleveland last night to be here. A huge surprise concocted by my wife and daughter. My other daughter will be here in a couple of weeks.”
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“My plan is to get through this and become a Cancer Survivor. So, please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming.”
He died less than two weeks later.
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