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‘She was our little diva’: Tess Mata’s family remembers the 10-year-old who ‘was always dancing’

A huge Houston Astros fan, Tess’ life was cut short at Robb Elementary School on May 24

Editor’s note: This article is part of a KSAT 12 special project Remembering the Victims of the Robb Elementary School.

Tess Mata, 10, was a special girl who loved softball, soccer and the Houston Astros.

“My sister was special. She was the person who kept this family laughing and smiling,” said Tess’s older sister, Faith Mata.

“She had goals. She had dreams. When Tess was born it was always my job to be her older sister and protect her,” Faith said. “She was our little helper. She was carefree. She was our little diva. She loved to dress up and get girly,” Faith said.

Tess Mata (KSAT)

Tess also had lots of goals, but her dream was to go viral on TikTok, even though she was too young to have her own account. Tess’s family says she would constantly record videos.

Tess Mata died during the Texas school massacre. (.)

“She deserves to be remembered. She put a smile on every face,” said Veronica Mata, Tess’s mother.

“I want her to be remembered as the awesome little girl that she was,” Veronica said.


Find more stories of victims here.

. (KSAT)

About the Authors
Stephania Jimenez headshot

Stephania Jimenez is an anchor on The Nightbeat. She began her journalism career in 2006, after graduating from Syracuse University. She's anchored at NBC Philadelphia, KRIS in Corpus Christi, NBC Connecticut and KTSM in El Paso. Although born and raised in Brooklyn, Stephania considers Texas home. Stephania is bilingual! She speaks Spanish.

Kolten Parker headshot

Kolten Parker is Manager of Content and Coverage at KSAT. He moved into the role in 2024, after five years of leading the digital team. Kolten is an award-winning journalist and a proud Texas State Bobcat. He's a triathlete who loves the outdoors and sports. When not working, he likes to hang out with his wife and travel.