Wes Smith was a 21-year-old junior finance major and Kappa Sigma fraternity member at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was also a former walk-on member of the TCU Horned Frogs football team and a graduate of St. George’s Independent School in Memphis, Tennessee. He was shot and killed in the early hours of Friday, September 1, 2023, while standing on Bledsoe Street in the West 7th District, a popular entertainment destination in Fort Worth, Texas.
A bright and outgoing young man
Smith was remembered by his loved ones and acquaintances as a bright and outgoing young man who had a passion for life and a positive impact on others. He was described as polite, respectful, joyful, competitive, and loyal by his family, friends, coaches, teachers, and pastors.
Some of the tributes that were posted on social media platforms include:
- “He was so loved by so many, and always will be. We love you Wes and we’ll miss you.” – Kyle Slatery, friend and former teammate at St. George’s
- “Wes was the definition of a true competitor and a fantastic leader. Such a senseless tragedy.” – Andrew Atkins, head football coach at St. George’s
- “He loved his family, loved his friends. He just loved.” – Jason Murphy, lead pastor at Grace Chapel in Collierville, Tennessee
- “Wes was an amazing young man who touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity. He was a leader on and off the field and a joy to coach. He will be greatly missed.” – Jim David, head lacrosse coach at St. George’s
- “Wes was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He always had a smile on his face and made everyone around him feel welcome. He was a great friend and brother to me and many others. I am heartbroken by this loss.” – Jake Smith, fraternity brother at Kappa Sigma
| Name | Wes Smith |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | March 15, 2002 |
| Date of death | September 1, 2023 |
| Age | 21 |
| Hometown | Collierville, Tennessee |
| High school | St. George’s Independent School |
| College | Texas Christian University |
| Major | Finance |
| Fraternity | Kappa Sigma |
| Sports | Football, basketball, lacrosse |
A promising future cut short
Smith had a promising future ahead of him as he pursued his academic and career goals at TCU. He was a TCU Neeley Scholar and a recipient of the Founders Scholarship, the highest academic merit award offered by the university. He had secured a summer internship as an analyst at Houlihan Lokey, an investment bank and financial services company in Dallas. He also served as the philanthropy chairman for his fraternity and led a Bible study group.
Smith had also excelled in sports throughout his high school and college years. He was the student body president and captain of the football, basketball, and lacrosse teams at St. George’s. He was named the Tennessee DII-AA West Defensive Player of the year for football in 2020. He also played lacrosse for four years and helped lead his team to three state championships. He joined the TCU Horned Frogs football team as a walk-on in 2021-22.
A senseless act of violence
Smith’s life was cut short by a senseless act of violence that occurred in the West 7th District, an area that is frequented by many TCU students and other young people for its nightlife attractions. According to Fort Worth police, officers who were patrolling the area heard several gunshots and responded to the 3000 block of Bledsoe Street shortly after 1 a.m. on Friday. They found Smith lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds in his upper body. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
Officers apprehended a suspect, 21-year-old Matthew Purdy, near the shooting scene. Purdy faces a charge of murder. The motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
The shooting has sparked outrage and grief among the TCU community and beyond. TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini issued a statement expressing his condolences to Smith’s family and friends and urging students to seek support from campus resources.
“This is an unspeakable tragedy that has shaken our entire community,” Boschini said. “We are heartbroken for Wes’ family and friends who are coping with this devastating loss.”
Boschini also called for action to prevent such violence from happening again.
“We must work together to end this senseless violence that threatens our students’ safety and well-being,” he said. “We must demand more from our leaders and ourselves to create a culture of peace and respect for all people.”
Frequently Asked Q/A
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Who is Wes Smith?
Wes Smith was a 21-year-old junior finance major and Kappa Sigma fraternity member at TCU. He was also a former walk-on member of the TCU Horned Frogs football team and a graduate of St. George’s Independent School in Memphis, Tennessee.
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How did Wes Smith die?
Wes Smith was shot and killed in the early hours of Friday, September 1, 2023, while standing on Bledsoe Street in the West 7th District, a popular entertainment destination in Fort Worth, Texas.
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Who killed Wes Smith?
The suspect in the shooting is Matthew Purdy, a 21-year-old man who was apprehended near the scene by Fort Worth police. He faces a charge of murder.
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Why did Matthew Purdy kill Wes Smith?
The motive for the shooting is still under investigation. According to some witnesses, Purdy and Smith did not know each other and had no prior interaction before the shooting.
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How is the TCU community reacting to Wes Smith’s death?
The TCU community is mourning the loss of Wes Smith and offering support to his family and friends. TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini issued a statement expressing his condolences and urging students to seek help from campus resources. Many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans have also posted tributes and messages of solidarity on social media platforms.
