The West Texas broadcast community is mourning the loss of Victor Alonzo Lopez, the longtime NewsWest 9 morning anchor whose familiar presence became part of daily life across the Permian Basin.
Lopez died on September 16, 2026, at the age of 61, following a two-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer. His death was announced by NewsWest 9, where he spent more than two decades building a career that extended from behind-the-scenes television production to the anchor desk.
For viewers in Midland, Odessa and surrounding West Texas communities, Lopez was much more than a television journalist. His career was closely connected to community events, local theater, charitable causes and efforts to support people throughout the region.
What Happened to Victor Lopez?
Victor Lopez died after battling Stage 4 colon cancer that had been diagnosed in 2024.
According to the Midland Reporter-Telegram, Lopez continued working through his illness, undergoing surgeries and treatment while remaining committed to his career and the community he served. His obituary states that cancer ultimately took his life on September 16.
NewsWest 9 colleagues remembered Lopez during an emotional broadcast following his death. The station described him as a longtime morning anchor and community advocate who remained connected to viewers even while dealing with serious health challenges.
Victor Lopez’s Career at NewsWest 9
Lopez’s broadcasting career at NewsWest 9 spanned more than two decades.
He joined the station in 2003, initially working in master control. He later became a producer before moving into reporting in 2007. In 2011, he reached the anchor desk and became one of the recognizable faces of the station’s Sunrise morning newscast.
His work was recognized by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, including recognition connected to NewsWest 9’s morning programming.
For Lopez, however, journalism was not simply a profession. Colleagues described his commitment to West Texas and his desire to use his position to highlight issues affecting people in the community.
His Battle With Cancer
Lopez publicly faced his cancer diagnosis while continuing to work whenever his health permitted.
He was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in August 2024. During his treatment, he underwent chemotherapy and surgery. Reports later stated that the cancer returned and spread, including to his liver, requiring additional treatment.
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Lopez continued returning to the NewsWest 9 anchor desk.
His determination became part of the story surrounding his final years, but colleagues also remembered that he remained focused on his work and the people he served rather than allowing his illness to define his entire identity.
Remembering Victor Lopez Beyond the News Desk
Lopez’s influence in West Texas extended well beyond television.
He was deeply involved in Midland Community Theatre, where he worked as an actor, director and volunteer for more than two decades. His obituary describes theater as one of the great passions of his life.
He was also involved with Safe Place of the Permian Basin, a domestic-violence organization in Midland, and served on its board. His work with the organization reflected another part of his community involvement outside journalism.
Friends and colleagues also remembered his warmth, humor and enthusiasm for the arts.
He loved theater, television sitcoms, Charlie Brown, Harry Potter and the Texas Longhorns, according to his family obituary.
Victor Lopez Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Victor Alonzo Lopez |
| Born | December 25, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Lamesa, Texas |
| Raised | Welch, Texas |
| Died | September 16, 2026 |
| Age | 61 |
| Profession | News anchor, journalist, actor |
| Station | NewsWest 9 |
| Anchor role | Sunrise morning anchor |
| Cancer | Stage 4 colon cancer |
| Years at NewsWest 9 | More than two decades |
| Community involvement | Midland Community Theatre, Safe Place of the Permian Basin |
| Funeral home | Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home |
The published obituary identifies his sisters as Reyna L. Barrera of Odessa and Terri L. Hernandez of Lubbock, and his brother as Emiliano Lopez Jr. of San Antonio. The family also asked for privacy during their time of grief.
A Life Dedicated to West Texas
One of the defining aspects of Lopez’s career was his decision to remain connected to West Texas.
The Midland Reporter-Telegram described him as a recognizable face throughout the Permian Basin and highlighted his commitment to the region even as television journalism underwent significant changes.
Former colleagues have also spoken about his role as a mentor and his willingness to help younger journalists develop their skills.
His impact was therefore measured not only by the stories he delivered on television, but also by the people he encouraged and the community causes he supported.
Victor Lopez Funeral and Memorial Services
Funeral services for Victor Lopez were scheduled in Midland following his death.
A public visitation was held on Thursday, September 24, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lewallen-Garcia-Pipkin Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a Rosary from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Family and friends were also invited to share personal tributes.
A Funeral Mass was scheduled for Friday, September 25, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, with a reception afterward at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Banquet Hall.
The family requested that people wishing to honor Lopez consider donations to causes that were meaningful to him, including the Texas Oncology Foundation, Permian Basin Gifts of Hope, Midland Community Theatre, Safe Place of the Permian Basin and the Crisis Center of West Texas.
West Texas Mourns a Familiar Voice
For more than 20 years, Victor Lopez was part of the morning routine for countless people across the Permian Basin.
His career began behind the scenes and eventually placed him in front of viewers each morning, but his influence extended far beyond the television studio.
He was a journalist, theater enthusiast, community advocate, mentor, friend and family member whose life was closely connected to the people and institutions of West Texas.
As colleagues, friends, viewers and loved ones remember him, Lopez’s legacy is likely to remain closely associated with the communities he served.
Victor Alonzo Lopez was 61 years old when he died on September 16, 2026, following his battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Disclaimer: This obituary is based on information from NewsWest 9, the Midland Reporter-Telegram and the published family obituary. Details about Victor Lopez’s life, medical history and funeral arrangements are included only where publicly reported or stated by the family. The article may be updated if additional verified information becomes available.