Beloved Texas News Anchor Victor Lopez Dies of Cancer at 51

Victor Lopez, a veteran Texas news anchor, died Wednesday night after a two-year battle with Stage 4 colon cancer, his colleagues at NewsWest 9 announced Thursday. He was 51.

Lopez, who had anchored the station's "Sunrise at 6am" program since 2011, died surrounded by friends and family, according to an emotional broadcast by his colleagues.

Despite undergoing numerous rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries, Lopez continued to report the news. In a Facebook post on September 2, he shared a photo from the studio, writing, "Make it a great Wednesday!!"

"I can't say that this is gonna be the easiest newscast we've had to do, but, unfortunately, it's with heavy hearts that we have to report, NewsWest 9 Sunrise anchor - and also our good friend - Victor Lopez passed away last night," said 4pm anchor Jolina Okazaki, who worked with Lopez for about a decade. "He was dealing with cancer for two years, and unfortunately lost his battle."

Lopez's career at NewsWest 9 began in 2003 in master control. He transitioned to producer before becoming a reporter in 2007, eventually earning a spot at the anchor desk in 2011. He became a familiar face in the Midland-Odessa area.

"He was just a firecracker. He was so passionate. He loved people so much and it's gonna be really hard not to see him sitting in the newsroom," said longtime anchor Crystal Crews.

Colleagues remembered Lopez's dedication to his job and the community, noting his consistent presence even through pain and setbacks. "We know he was in so much pain, but he told us he loved his job and he loved this community, and he wanted to continue showing up and he kept doing it until he couldn't any longer," Okazaki said.

Lopez's family has requested privacy and suggested donations to the Texas Oncology Foundation, Permian Basin Gifts of Hope, Midland Community Theatre, Safe Place of the Permian Basin, or the Crisis Center of West Texas in lieu of flowers.