Victor Bravo, a 2025 Waskom High School graduate and a student at UT Tyler, was found dead Friday night in Smith County following a reported shooting.
Smith County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 6000 block of County Road 1215 at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Friday, September 18, after receiving a report of a gunshot victim. Upon their arrival, authorities located Bravo, who was found deceased at the scene, according to information released by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
Bravo was a notable figure during his time at Waskom High School, where he achieved significant academic and athletic success. He graduated in 2025 as the school’s salutatorian, a distinction reported by the Marshall News Messenger. Beyond his academic accomplishments, Bravo was also recognized as a standout athlete, actively competing in both cross country and track programs. Following his graduation from high school, Bravo continued his education, enrolling as a student at the University of Texas at Tyler.
The news of Bravo's death deeply affected the Waskom ISD community. Waskom ISD athletics expressed profound grief over the loss, stating the district was “heartbroken” by the death of one of its own. The athletics department fondly remembered “Vic” as a respectful, hardworking, and kind individual who consistently represented the program in all the right ways. They characterized him as “the kind of young man every coach hopes their athletes grow to be,” underscoring the positive impact he had on the school community. Waskom ISD further lamented the loss, noting that “He had such a bright future ahead of him.”
Smith County investigators and crime scene personnel responded to the scene to conduct their examination. As of the latest update from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, no suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the fatal incident. The investigation is actively continuing as authorities follow up on leads gathered from the scene.
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information pertinent to the ongoing investigation to come forward. Individuals can contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at 903-566-6600, or they can submit anonymous tips through Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers by visiting cuff903.org.
Officials from the sheriff’s office have indicated that additional information regarding this incident will be released to the public as it becomes available and the investigation progresses.
