Victor Lopez, the longtime NewsWest 9 morning anchor, has died at the age of 61 after a two-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer. His death has left family, friends, colleagues and viewers across West Texas mourning a familiar face who spent more than two decades serving the Permian Basin community.
NewsWest 9 announced Lopez’s passing on September 17, 2026, saying he died surrounded by loved ones. His career at the Midland-Odessa station spanned more than 20 years, during which he became one of the region’s most recognizable television personalities.
Victor Lopez Remembered as a Familiar West Texas Voice
Lopez was closely associated with NewsWest 9’s morning newscast, where he spent years helping viewers begin their days with news and information from across the Permian Basin.
His career with the station began in 2003, initially working behind the scenes in master control. He later moved into reporting in 2007 before becoming part of the NewsWest 9 Sunrise anchor desk in 2011. His work was recognized by the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters, including through the station’s award-winning morning show.
Colleagues remembered Lopez not simply as an anchor but as someone deeply invested in the community he covered.
Victor Lopez Cause of Death
The cause of Victor Lopez’s death was Stage 4 colon cancer, following a two-year battle with the disease.
Lopez publicly shared his cancer journey after receiving his diagnosis in August 2024. What initially began with a routine medical checkup led to the discovery of a large tumor in his colon and a lesion on his liver.
He underwent surgery and chemotherapy and continued working despite the challenges of treatment. In July 2025, Lopez marked the end of one phase of chemotherapy by ringing the traditional bell associated with completing treatment.
The cancer later returned. NewsWest 9 reported that the disease eventually spread, requiring additional treatment and surgery, including an operation involving his liver. Despite those challenges, Lopez continued returning to the anchor desk and communicating with viewers.
Victor Lopez Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Victor Lopez |
| Age | 61 |
| Date of death | September 17, 2026 |
| Location | Midland-Odessa, Texas area |
| Profession | Television news anchor and journalist |
| Station | NewsWest 9 |
| Known for | NewsWest 9 Sunrise morning newscast |
| Cause of death | Stage 4 colon cancer |
| Cancer diagnosis | August 2024 |
| Hometown | Lamesa, Texas |
| Funeral arrangements | Not provided |
A Journalism Career Spanning More Than Two Decades
Lopez built a career that kept him connected to West Texas viewers for more than 20 years.
After beginning at NewsWest 9 in 2003, he progressed through several roles before becoming a reporter and eventually moving to the anchor desk.
His long tenure gave him an unusually deep connection to the region. Rather than moving away to pursue a larger television market, Lopez remained in West Texas and continued working with NewsWest 9.
That commitment was highlighted by former colleagues following his death.
Remembered for Community Service
Lopez’s influence extended beyond television journalism.
He was involved with Safe Place of the Permian Basin, where he served on the board and advocated for victims of domestic violence.
He was also active in local theater, working as an actor, director and volunteer with Midland Community Theatre. His interests in theater and Hispanic culture became another part of his connection with the community.
Those activities gave Lopez opportunities to interact with people outside the newsroom and helped establish relationships that extended beyond his role as a television anchor.
Former Co-Anchor Zora Asberry Pays Tribute
Former NewsWest 9 co-anchor Zora Asberry also remembered Lopez following his death.
Asberry worked with Lopez during her time at NewsWest 9 and described him as a mentor who supported her early broadcasting career.
Her memories included their work together on the morning newscast, their humor during commercial breaks and Lopez’s willingness to encourage colleagues.
She also recalled how committed he was to telling stories about the people of West Texas and serving the Permian Basin community.
Victor Lopez Continued Working During His Cancer Battle
One of the defining parts of Lopez’s final years was his decision to remain professionally active while undergoing cancer treatment.
After his diagnosis, he used his position to encourage viewers to take cancer screenings seriously.
His own experience changed his perspective and gave him an opportunity to speak publicly about early detection and the realities of living with cancer.
Even after learning that the disease had returned, Lopez continued appearing for viewers when his health allowed.
His determination to remain connected to the audience became another part of the story colleagues and viewers are now remembering.
Family, Friends and Colleagues Mourn
Lopez’s death has brought together people from different parts of his life.
For his family, he was a loved one whose importance extended far beyond television.
For colleagues, he was a longtime newsroom presence and an experienced journalist who helped guide newer members of the profession.
For viewers across the Permian Basin, he was a familiar face who appeared on their screens for many years.
Those different relationships have produced an outpouring of tributes following his death.
Victor Lopez’s Legacy in the Permian Basin
Lopez leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the morning newscasts he anchored.
His career connected journalism, community advocacy, theater and public service.
Colleagues have particularly remembered his passion for West Texas and his commitment to telling stories about people in the region.
His work with Safe Place of the Permian Basin and Midland Community Theatre also demonstrated interests that reached beyond traditional television journalism.
For many viewers, however, his most enduring memory will remain his presence on NewsWest 9’s morning broadcast.
Funeral and Memorial Information
NewsWest 9’s announcement of Lopez’s death did not include detailed funeral or memorial arrangements.
His family and loved ones have requested privacy during this difficult period, according to reports surrounding his passing.
Additional information about services or memorial plans may be released separately by his family or organizations connected to his life and work.
For now, tributes from colleagues, friends and members of the West Texas community are providing a picture of the impact he had throughout his career.
Remembering Victor Lopez
Victor Lopez spent more than two decades building a career in West Texas television and becoming a familiar presence for viewers across the Permian Basin.
He continued working through a difficult cancer battle, used his platform to encourage cancer awareness and remained involved in causes and activities that mattered to him.
At 61, his death marks the loss of a longtime journalist, community advocate, theater enthusiast and mentor.
For the people who knew him personally and the many viewers who welcomed him into their homes each morning, Victor Lopez will be remembered for the work he gave to the community and the relationships he built along the way.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on current reports from NewsWest 9 and other published accounts concerning the death of Victor Lopez. He was 61 and died on September 17, 2026, following a two-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer. Funeral and memorial arrangements were not included in the information reviewed. Additional details may be updated if his family or an authorized representative releases further information.