Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Uvalde's Xavier Lopez: His smile would 'cheer anyone up'

Xavier Lopez had a smile that lit up the room

Via AP news wire
Tuesday 07 June 2022 16:01 BST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Xavier Lopez had a smile that lit up the room.

“He was funny, never serious and his smile,” Felicha Martinez told the Washington Post. “That smile I will never forget. It would always cheer anyone up.”

Xavier, 10, was among the 19 children and two teachers killed on May 24 when a gunman burst into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Xavier was remembered Tuesday at a funeral. More visitations, funerals and burials will continue through much of the month.

Xavier’s cousin, Liza Garza, recalled his enthusiasm for life.

“He was just a loving ... little boy, just enjoying life, not knowing that this tragedy was going to happen,” Garza said. “He was very bubbly, loved to dance with his brothers, his mom. This has just taken a toll on all of us.”

Xavier loved playing on his baseball team, the Blue Jays. He was eager for summer so he could go swimming. Hours before the shooting, his mother took a photo of Xavier holding his honor roll certificate. She told the Post she didn't imagine it would be the last moment she would share with him.

___

More on the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas: https://apnews.com/hub/uvalde-school-shooting

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in