BELOVED television news anchor Mark Spain has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Spain died on December 18, his family announced on Facebook.
Beloved WTLV news anchor Mark Spain died on Wednesday[/caption]
“It’s surreal that it was exactly three weeks ago yesterday that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,” Spain’s family said in a statement shared on Facebook.
“Our family was there with him from the beginning of the fight to the finish, until his very last breath! He fought hard, he stayed positive throughout the battle, 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.”
Spain was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer around Thanksgiving.
A GoFundMe created just days before his death has raised $13,000.
Those funds were said to go toward Spain’s medical bills, travel for treatment, and other needs.
Spain’s career began in Cleveland where he worked as a paperboy from the time he was nine years old.
After studying communications in college, he went on to work at several notable television stations, in Fort Wayne, Erie, Indianapolis and Cleveland.
Then, in 2000, he landed at First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Mark’s passing. He always worked to better the First Coast in every story he produced,” First Coast News General Manager Tim Thomas said.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Lynita and his three children during this difficult time.”
In 2015, Spain moved to local ABC affiliate WSET in Lynchburg, Virginia.
There, he was a respected anchor on the network’s evening and late shows.
He shared the news of his cancer diagnosis with viewers just weeks ago in early December.
“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,” the Spain family’s statement continued.
“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.”
Viewers and colleagues flooded social media with tributes to the late anchor.
“Our hearts are broken,” was all fellow WSET anchor Danner Evans wrote on X.
“I am so sorry. Praying for your entire family. I feel so grateful to have known him and worked with him. He’s made such an impact on so many people,” a fellow journalist commented on the Spain family’s Facebook post.
“Have been in tears since learning the news this morning. Mark was one of a kind. His positivity and willingness to help others is unmatched. I feel so lucky to have had a role model and mentor in him starting in this business. Praying for strength for your family at a time filled with so much heartbreak,” someone else wrote.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Mark’s family, TV family and loved ones. May his memory and legacy always be a blessing,” another journalist shared.
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