Victor Lopez, the longtime morning anchor at NewsWest 9 KWES in Midland-Odessa, has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.
The station announced Lopez passed away on September 17, 2026, surrounded by friends and family.
A native of Lamesa, Lopez graduated from West Texas State University, now known as West Texas A&M University. He began his television career at NewsWest 9 in 2003 behind the scenes and in 2007 as a reporter before moving to the anchor desk in 2011.
Lopez became a familiar face to viewers across the Permian Basin as part of the station's morning newscast. The program earned the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters' "Best Morning Show" award in 2011.
Beyond the anchor desk, Lopez was known for his commitment to the community. Friends, family, and community members described him as strong, passionate, and a natural leader. He was particularly proud of being a community advocate and speaking up for those who needed a voice, while making sure the people around him felt supported and appreciated.
Lopez publicly shared his cancer journey with viewers after being diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in August 2024.
"I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma stage 4A colon cancer," Lopez said in an interview published on the KWES website. "Being told that you have cancer... it makes you just get a whole new mindset and look at life."
What initially began as a routine checkup led to the discovery of a large tumor in his colon and a lesion on his liver.
Lopez underwent surgery in October 2024 and began chemotherapy the following month. He ultimately went through 12 rounds of treatment.
In July 2025, Lopez celebrated a major milestone when he rang the bell marking remission. He also used his experience to encourage others, particularly men, to take cancer screenings seriously and catch potential problems early.
But the celebration was short-lived. By September 2025, Lopez learned that the cancer had returned.
Even as the disease took a greater toll on his body, Lopez continued working and showing up for NewsWest 9 viewers. Through additional surgeries and chemotherapy, he continued to arrive bright and early to deliver the day's headlines and weather updates from across the Permian Basin.
His determination to continue serving his viewers became another chapter in a career defined by his connection to the community.
Lopez's family is asking for privacy at this time. They are requesting that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations and causes important 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.
KHOU 11 Houston reporter Anayeli Ruiz wrote a touching tribute to her former colleague. KENS 5 San Antonio morning anchor Audrey Castoreno also shared a touching tribute.
