In Loving Memory of Eric Torres Forever 21 • Gone Too Soon but Never Forgotten
The city of Pueblo is once again mourning, as yet another young life has been lost to gun violence. Less than thirty minutes after responding to their 11th homicide of the year, Pueblo Police were called to investigate the city’s 12th homicide — a heartbreaking indication of how deeply tragedy continues to strike this community.
At 2:49 A.M., a ShotSpotter notification alerted officers to 27 rounds fired along W. 13th Street, near the El Pueblo Pride Park area. Almost immediately after the alert, calls came in reporting that two individuals had been shot. When officers arrived, they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were rushed to the hospital, and for a time, there was hope.
But at 10:20 A.M., one of those victims — 21-year-old Eric Torres — passed away from his injuries.
Eric was young, full of life, and full of promise. He was a son, a friend, a neighbor, a familiar face in Pueblo. He had plans for his life — dreams, goals, and everyday moments that now will never come. He was someone who laughed, who cared, who loved, and who was loved. The Pueblo Coroner has confirmed that Eric lived in the community, and his family has been notified — a family now left to learn how to breathe again through unspeakable pain.
The second victim, thankfully, remains in stable condition, but the emotional wounds will remain long after physical healing. Events like this ripple outward — through circles of friends, families, schools, neighborhoods, and the wider community — leaving behind grief that does not go away quietly.
Police have stated that no suspects have yet been identified, though the shooting appears to have been targeted. The investigation continues, and with it, hopes for answers, accountability, and justice. But while investigations can bring clarity, they cannot bring back Eric. They cannot undo the moment or fill the silence where his voice should still be.
Eric Torres should still be here.
Celebrating life. Laughing with friends. Dreaming freely. Growing into the person he was destined to become.
Instead, his name becomes a memory we must hold with reverence and care.
To Eric’s family — may love surround you in the darkness. May those who knew him wrap you in strength, in presence, and in compassion. Your grief is immeasurable, and your pain is valid. You are not alone.
To his friends — speak his name often. Share the stories. Share the laughter. Keep him alive in every memory you hold close.
To the community — may this loss soften us, not harden us; unite us, not divide us. Let Eric’s memory be a call to value every life around us, to protect one another, and to work toward a future where tragedy like this becomes unthinkable.
Rest in peace, Eric Torres.
Your life mattered.
Your presence made an impact.
And you will never be forgotten. 🕊️💙
