For nearly two decades, Victor Lopez was the familiar face waking up viewers across West Texas each morning.
He was the man delivering the headlines, guiding viewers through breaking news and local stories, and making sure the Sunrise show kept moving even when things behind the scenes didn’t go according to plan.
Now, the longtime NewsWest 9 morning anchor has died at 51 after a battle with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Lopez died surrounded by friends and family, leaving behind a career and community that stretched far beyond the television screen.
For viewers in the Permian Basin, his absence will be deeply felt.
For those who never watched Texas morning television, his story is one of a journalist who spent years using his platform not simply to report the news, but to connect with and advocate for the people around him.
A familiar face who truly loved the job
Lopez was a native of Lamesa, Texas, and graduated from West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University.
He joined NewsWest 9 in 2007 as a reporter and moved to the anchor desk in 2011, becoming a central part of the station’s morning show. His work was recognized by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, which voted the program the “Best Morning Show.”
But according to those who worked alongside him, Lopez’s importance to the show went far beyond what viewers saw on camera.
One former colleague, Luke Dias, recalled meeting him in May 2024 after being hired as a production assistant for Sunrise.
From the beginning, it was clear how much experience Lopez brought to the newsroom. He was hands-on, creative and willing to adapt when unexpected problems or time constraints forced the team to change plans. The colleague described him as someone the show simply could not function properly without.
And despite the difficulties that often come with working in television news, Lopez stayed.
While many journalists moved on after a year or two, Lopez continued returning to NewsWest 9 for nearly two decades because he genuinely loved the work and the impact he could have.
That dedication became even more remarkable when his life changed in 2024.
Then came the devastating diagnosis
Lopez was diagnosed with Stage 4 adenocarcinoma colon cancer in August 2024.
The cancer had already spread to his liver. He later opened up publicly about what the diagnosis had done to his outlook on life.
”I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma Stage 4A colon cancer,” Lopez said. ”Being told that you have cancer… it makes you just get a whole new mindset and look at life.”
Doctors treated him with surgery, liver ablation and chemotherapy.
And through it all, Lopez tried to turn his own frightening experience into something that could potentially help others.
”If I can get one person to get a colonoscopy, to get screened, to just take care of themselves and avoid going through what I’m going through… then I’ve accomplished my mission,” he said.
In July 2025, Lopez celebrated a major milestone when he rang the bell signifying remission. But the celebration would not last.
By September, the cancer had returned.
The months that followed brought more surgery and chemotherapy, taking an enormous toll on his body.
Yet Lopez continued doing what he had done for years.
He showed up.
But eventually, his body could take no more.
His life stretched far beyond the newsroom
For all the hours Lopez spent in front of a television camera, journalism was only one part of the legacy he leaves behind. He had a deep love for theater and pursued a degree in the subject before becoming heavily involved with Midland Community Theatre.
He acted. He directed. He moderated the annual McLaren Festival, a comedy playwright competition.
And even when he wasn’t performing, he remained closely connected to the theater community, regularly helping promote upcoming productions and sharing news about the arts on his morning broadcasts.
Midland Community Theatre executive director Adam Sahli remembered Lopez as someone who had an extraordinary ability to connect with an audience.
After Lopez’s death, Midland Community Theatre shared its own tribute.
“It is with great sadness that MCT acknowledges the passing of Victor Lopez. He was an ardent advocate and supporter of Midland Community Theatre but, more importantly, arts throughout the Permian Basin.”
Sahli added a personal message:
“Personally, I am lucky to have called him a friend. His unwavering smile, strength, and courage will be the lasting memory I hold close.”
Lopez’s family has asked for privacy as they mourn his loss.
They have also asked that, rather than sending flowers, people consider donating to organizations that mattered to Lopez, 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.
Victor Lopez spent much of his life telling other people’s stories.
In the end, his own story became one of courage, compassion and an extraordinary commitment to his community.
And for the people who knew him, the memories of that familiar face appearing on their television screens each morning will be difficult to replace. Rest in Peace, Victor.
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