Wes Smith was a 21-year-old junior at Texas Christian University (TCU) who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a finance major, a Kappa Sigma fraternity member, a former walk-on football player, and a summer intern at an investment bank. He was also a beloved son, brother, friend, and leader who touched many lives with his kindness, charisma, and faith.
On September 1, 2023, Smith’s life was tragically ended by a bullet while he was standing on Bledsoe Street in the West 7th District, a popular entertainment area in Fort Worth, Texas. He was one of the victims of a shooting spree that left two others injured and one suspect in custody.
Who Was Wes Smith?
Wes Smith was born on June 14, 2002, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Collierville, a suburb of Memphis, where he attended St. George’s Independent School. He was an outstanding student and athlete who excelled in academics, sports, and leadership. He was the student body president and the captain of the football, basketball, and lacrosse teams. He was named the Tennessee DII-AA West Defensive Player of the Year for football in his senior year.
Smith had a passion for finance and business since he was young. He participated in the Junior Achievement program and won several awards for his entrepreneurial skills. He also founded his own company, Wes Smith Enterprises, which sold custom apparel and accessories.
Smith graduated from St. George’s in 2021 and enrolled at TCU as a Founders Scholar, the highest academic scholarship awarded by the university. He also joined the TCU Horned Frogs football team as a walk-on defensive back in his freshman year. He later decided to focus on his studies and pursue a career in investment banking. He was accepted as a summer analyst at Houlihan Lokey, a leading global financial services firm, for 2024.
Wes Smith was an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at TCU, where he served as the philanthropy chairman and led a Bible study group. He was known for his outgoing personality, his sense of humor, and his generosity. He loved his family, his friends, his faith, and his school. He was described by those who knew him as “a joy to be around”, “a true competitor”, “a fantastic leader”, and “a light in this world”.
What Happened to Wes Smith?
On September 1, 2023, Smith went out with some friends to celebrate the start of the new semester at TCU. They were standing on Bledsoe Street in the West 7th District, a vibrant area with bars, restaurants, shops, and apartments. Around 1 a.m., they heard gunshots and saw people running and screaming.
Wes Smith was hit by multiple bullets in his upper body. He collapsed on the ground and was rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the emergency room.
The police officers who were patrolling the area responded to the shooting scene and arrested a suspect, Matthew Purdy, 21, who was found near Bledsoe Street with a handgun. Purdy faces a charge of murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The motive for the shooting is still unclear. The police are investigating whether Purdy knew Smith or any of the other victims or if it was a random act of violence. The police are also looking into Purdy’s background and mental health history.
The shooting shocked and saddened the TCU community and the Fort Worth community at large. TCU issued a statement expressing its condolences to Smith’s family and friends and offering counseling and support services to students and staff. TCU also held a vigil on campus to honor Smith’s memory and pray for peace and healing.
How Is Wes Smith Being Remembered?
Wes Smith is remembered as an exceptional young man who had a positive impact on everyone he met. His family, friends, classmates, teachers, coaches, mentors, and colleagues have shared their memories and tributes to him on social media platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter), Y (formerly known as Facebook), Z (formerly known as Instagram), etc.
Some of the messages that have been posted include:
- “Wes was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone feel welcome. He was so smart, talented, and driven. He had such big dreams and goals that he was working hard to achieve. He was an inspiration to me and many others.” – A friend from TCU
- “Wes Smith was like a brother to me. We grew up together playing sports and hanging out. He was always there for me through thick and thin. He taught me how to be confident, how to be loyal, how to be a leader. He was the best friend anyone could ask for.” – A friend from St. George’s
- “Wes was a remarkable young man who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a star student and athlete who excelled in everything he did. He was a leader on and off the field who earned the respect and admiration of his peers and teachers. He was a joy to have in my class and in my life.” – A teacher from St. George’s
- “Wes Smith was a wonderful son who made us proud every day. He was a loving brother who always looked out for his siblings. He was a faithful Christian who lived by his values and beliefs. He was a blessing to our family and to this world. We love him and miss him more than words can say.” – His parents
Smith’s family has also set up a memorial fund in his name to support causes that he cared about, such as education, sports, and philanthropy. The fund has already raised over $100,000 from donations from people who knew Smith or were touched by his story.
