In the tight-knit communities of West Texas, few figures were as beloved on the softball diamonds as Ed Scott. The 62-year-old city employee and dedicated umpire, known for his fairness, warm smile, and unwavering commitment to the game, was taken far too soon in a senseless mass shooting in Midland on June 12, 2026. As family, colleagues, and the entire West Texas softball world mourn his loss, a poignant final letter he penned from his hospital bed has surfaced, offering a glimpse into a man whose spirit remained unbroken even in his final moments.

Scott, a longtime City of Midland waste department worker, was driving to work when he became an innocent victim of the random gunfire. The incident left him fatally wounded and hospitalized at least 10 others. Authorities identified the suspect as 45-year-old Victor Mata Villarreal, who later died during a standoff with police. For a man who spent decades calling balls and strikes from Little League to college level games, the attack shattered a life defined by community service and quiet passion.

Those who knew Scott describe him as the heart of local softball. He wasn’t just an umpire—he was a mentor, a friend, and a constant presence who showed up rain or shine. From dusty youth fields under the blazing Texas sun to brightly lit high school showdowns, Scott’s voice and presence brought order and joy to countless games. Colleagues recall his jokes between innings and his dedication to ensuring every player felt respected. His involvement extended beyond the field; as a devoted husband and father, he embodied the values of family and service that define West Texas.

In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, as medical teams fought to save him, Scott found the strength to write a final letter. Family members later shared excerpts, revealing words filled with love, gratitude, and peace. He reportedly expressed deep appreciation for his wife, children, and the softball community that had become his extended family. In those lines, penned amid pain, Scott offered comfort and encouragement—urging loved ones to cherish every moment on the field and in life. The letter stands as a testament to his character: even facing eternity, his thoughts were with others, not himself.

The tragedy has united Midland and beyond. Vigils, moments of silence before games, and outpourings on social media from teams like the Texas Outlaws and Angelo State softball programs highlight the profound impact Scott had. City officials described him as an “integral figure” in regional softball, mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant whose smile lit up everyday interactions.

This heartbreaking event underscores the fragility of life and the random nature of violence that can strike anywhere. Yet in Scott’s story, and in that final letter, there is also resilience—the reminder that one person’s kindness can echo across generations of players, families, and fans. As the West Texas softball community returns to the diamonds, they will carry Ed Scott’s legacy with every pitch, every call, and every shared memory. His final words serve not as an ending, but as a lasting call to live with the same passion, fairness, and love he showed every day. In remembering him, they honor a man who gave everything to the game and the people around him.