LAKE BRIDGEPORT, Texas — A tight‑knit Wise County community is reeling after 46‑year‑old Mike Thomas was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds late on the night of February 1, 2026 at Lake Bridgeport. State and local law enforcement rushed to the scene after reports of gunfire, only to discover Thomas already lifeless near the water’s edge. His sudden death has left friends, family and neighbors struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
Law enforcement established probable cause in the case and arrested 45‑year‑old Sandy Michael Williams in connection with the shooting, authorities confirmed. The investigation remains active, and officials have not yet released additional details about what led to the shooting or any possible motive. Investigators say they are still reviewing evidence and questioning witnesses as the case unfolds.
Friends and family describe Mike Thomas as the kind of man who walked into a room and made people genuinely glad he was there. Neighbors remember his warm laugh, generosity with time and spirit, and the way he lit up local community events. His family says those everyday moments — shared laughter over a barbecue, casual waves across the yard — are the memories they will treasure most.
In the hours after the shooting, residents of Lake Bridgeport gathered in small clusters by the water and along neighborhood streets, hugging one another and offering support. A few left candles and handwritten notes near the spot where Thomas was found. Many spoke softly of a man who was more than a name on a police report — he was a brother, a father figure, a friend.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Local law enforcement has said they are piecing together the timeline and trying to understand how a normal night beside the lake became a heartbreaking tragedy for an entire community.
Thomas’ family has asked for privacy as they grieve, sharing that the outpouring of support — calls from old friends, visits from neighbors, flowers on doorsteps — has meant a great deal during these early days of shock. They say Mike’s warmth, kindness and impact on those around him won’t be forgotten.
In the wake of this loss, Lake Bridgeport residents are reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of community bonds. Friends have begun informal plans to celebrate Thomas’ legacy through gatherings and remembrances in the weeks ahead, holding onto the memory of a man they say made this quiet lakeside town feel like home.
