The National Guard serviceman who died while trying to save drowning migrants has been identified.
22-year-old Specialist Bishop E. Evans of the Texas National Guard presumably drowned in the Rio Grande River after rushing to the aid of two presumed drug dealers who found themselves drowning while trying to cross the fast river.
As of this writing, the search for Evans’ body continues. He is believed to have died while attempting a rescue in the river bordering Mexico and Texas.
“Praying for Texas National Guard SPC Bishop Evans and his family. What a horrible tragedy for them to endure, he was only 22 years old,” Illinois Representative Mary Miller expressed in a tribute to the fallen soldier.
“Heidi and I are praying for the Texas Army National Guard Soldier and my team and I are monitoring reports of what happened today very closely. God bless our men and women in uniform,” Senator Ted Cruz tweeted.
Texas Representative Tony Gonzales said: “I’m heartbroken to hear of the death of a Texas National Guard soldier.
“Our Citizen-Soldiers respond to our toughest challenges including the border crisis. As we’ve seen with the deaths of migrants & now the tragic loss of a guardsman, this crisis can be deadly for all involved.”
The search for the 22-year-old who went missing near Eagle Pass continues. The authorities believe the soldier died in the attempt to save two men who have since been accused of drug trafficking and remain in custody.
While Evans was assigned to Texas’ Operation Lone Star initiative, it remains unclear whether he knew that the migrants he tried to rescue were alleged smugglers.
“The Texas Governor’s office continues to work with the Texas National Guard and other law enforcement agencies as they search for the missing soldier. Updates will be provided as additional details become available,” Governor Abbott confirmed.
Meanwhile, Texas Military Department vowed to continue searching for Evans “until we have exhausted all available resources.”
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