A New Zealand woman is grieving the loss of her nephew who died in the Texas school shooting.
Tamara Martinez, who is originally from New Zealand, lost her 10-year-old nephew Xavier Lopez in Wednesday's horrifying attack at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.
Nineteen children and two teachers lost their lives.
Martinez told 1News Xavier was a "fun bubbly sweet young man" who loved to dance.
"He loved his family so much and was a real amazing kid."
She and husband Benito had recently spent time with Xavier celebrating their daughter's 10th birthday. The shooting happened on the day of her actual birthday.
Martinez spoke of waiting at Uvalde's civic centre as children were brought from the school by bus. Later that night, they discovered Xavier and one of his friends was among the victims.
"We are hurt, the whole town is hurt," she said.
Martinez said she appreciated all the messages she'd received from New Zealand, and hoped gun laws in America would change.
"I will miss our Xavier and will continue praying to all my friends and families affected."
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