By NICK YAMASHITA
Moapa Valley Progress
Many Moapa Valley residents were saddened last week as they heard of the passing of one of their own. Travis Smith, 28, of Logandale, NV was tragically killed in an incidence of domestic violence in Las Vegas on Dec. 7.
Grissell Gonzaga, 29, was charged with killing Smith while he was at his girlfriend’s place in Las Vegas. Gonzaga, a former friend of the girlfriend, broke into the house and attacked both Smith and the girlfriend in the presence of children who were at home.
Smith was heroically able to protect the children and his girlfriend from Gonzaga. But he later succumbed to injuries received in the struggle.
Gonzaga taken into police custody, was denied bail and awaits trial on charges of one count of murder, one count of burglary and one count of domestic battery with a deadly weapon.
The news of the incident had a profound effect on Smith’s friends and former high school classmates, many of whom still reside in the Moapa Valley.
“It is a sad, tragic incident,” said Orey Woods, who was close friends with Smith. “He died a hero.”
Woods related his profound feelings of this loss in an interview with the Progress last week. Woods and Smith have been best friends since they were 16 years old while attending Moapa Valley High School together.
“He had the biggest heart,” Woods said of Smith. So huge!”
Woods talked about experiences he had with Smith as they participated in motorcycle racing events growing up. “There was one time when I didn’t have the money needed for the entry fee to race one weekend,” Woods said. “He went around and asked every single person he came across for $1 to help me. He raised over $200 that day and I was able to race that weekend.”
Another memory Woods shared was how he and Smith both had a friend who joined the military. She had a little bit of a struggle with homesickness. Smith would write her on a regular basis and send her cards. “I remember he always tried to send something to her when she was down,” Woods said. “He always wanted to help others feel better and happy.”
Smith was also known for being humorous and pulling little pranks that would scare others but left everyone laughing uncontrollably. Woods told of how he and Travis both graduated from Moapa Valley High School in 2010. They both went on different paths. Travis went into mechanics and even got fully certified by attending a trade school in Henderson. Smith enjoyed hunting with his dad as well as dirt biking. He truly loved spending time with his family.
“Even though we went down different paths, he always kept in touch,” Woods said. “I knew that if I needed him, he would be right there.”
Woods said that the sudden incident has been a complete shock to everyone who knew “Trigger”.
“It really has brought all of our friends back together and reminds us not to take anything for granted,” Woods said. “Looking back he was at all of our big moments in life. We need to be more like him! More supportive of each other.”
Woods finished with a chuckle as he relished the memories of his best friend. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. I love him and miss him. I can’t wait to see him and have him pull his pranks on me again.”
