The Cedar Creek community is mourning the death of Manuel Salgado Vasquez, 22, who died Tuesday, September 15, 2026, after being critically injured in a shooting at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop.
According to police, Salgado was involved in a shooting at the park on Sunday, September 13. He was transported to a local hospital after suffering a gunshot wound and remained hospitalized until his death two days later.
Authorities said he died from his injuries at approximately 2:58 p.m. Tuesday.
What Happened at Fisherman’s Park
Bastrop police said Salgado met with his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Mariana Montoya Palacios, at Fisherman’s Park on September 13.
The two had previously been in a romantic relationship. During the meeting, police said Salgado shot Palacios, fatally injuring her, before shooting himself.
Officers responding to the park found both individuals with gunshot wounds. Palacios was pronounced dead at the scene, while Salgado was transported to a hospital for treatment.
Salgado ultimately died from his injuries on September 15.
Manuel Salgado Vasquez Death Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Manuel Salgado Vasquez |
| Age | 22 |
| Residence | Cedar Creek, Texas |
| Date of incident | September 13, 2026 |
| Date of death | September 15, 2026 |
| Time of death | Approximately 2:58 p.m. |
| Location of shooting | Fisherman’s Park, Bastrop, Texas |
| Hospital | Local hospital |
| Injury | Gunshot wound |
| Other victim | Mariana Montoya Palacios, 20 |
| Investigation | Bastrop Police Department and Austin Police Department |
| Cause of death | Fatal gunshot wound sustained during the September 13 incident |
| Funeral arrangements | Not publicly confirmed |
Police Connect Bastrop and Austin Deaths
The Bastrop shooting was later connected to a separate death investigated by the Austin Police Department.
On the morning of September 15, Austin officers conducted a welfare check at a residence on West William Cannon Drive after a family member reported being unable to reach 27-year-old Desiree Gauna.
Officers found Gauna deceased inside the residence with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
As detectives investigated her death, they determined that Gauna had been living with Salgado. Investigators also learned that Salgado had been romantically involved with both women.
Police said Salgado had not gone to work on September 13 and that his whereabouts were unknown for a period afterward. His vehicle was eventually located at a wrecker yard in Bastrop.
Investigation Into the Connected Homicides
Austin and Bastrop investigators are treating the cases as connected homicides.
According to a joint police statement, investigators believe Salgado was responsible for the deaths of both women. The Austin investigation remained open as detectives continued working to complete the case.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the killings.
The investigation is also examining the circumstances surrounding the relationships and events leading up to the shootings.
Remembering Those Involved
The deaths have affected the Cedar Creek, Bastrop, and Austin communities, with family members and friends mourning the loss of the people involved.
Salgado’s death occurred two days after the Fisherman’s Park shooting, bringing the incident to a fatal conclusion while investigators continued working to establish the full sequence of events.
Montoya Palacios, 20, was killed at Fisherman’s Park, while Gauna, 27, was found dead at an Austin residence.
Their deaths and Salgado’s subsequent death are now part of the connected investigation being handled by police in both cities.
Manuel Salgado Vasquez Obituary and Funeral Information
At the time of the latest reports, no verified public obituary or funeral announcement had provided detailed information about Salgado’s family, education, employment history, or memorial arrangements.
Those details may be released separately by relatives or a funeral home.
The family has not publicly provided additional information about how they wish to remember him.
Cedar Creek Community Mourns
The death of Manuel Salgado Vasquez has brought attention to a tragic series of events involving Cedar Creek, Bastrop, and Austin.
At 22, Salgado’s life ended after the shooting at Fisherman’s Park, where police say he fatally shot his former girlfriend before suffering a gunshot wound himself.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the deaths and any additional evidence relevant to the case.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly released information concerning the September 2026 shootings in Bastrop and Austin. Details about Manuel Salgado Vasquez’s family, personal history, funeral arrangements, and other private matters have not been added where they could not be independently confirmed. Investigative findings may change as authorities complete their work.