RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Tragedy struck along the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday as a UH-72 Lakota helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of two Army National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent. According to military officials, one soldier survived the crash but remains in critical condition. The helicopter was part of the federal government’s border security operations, based at Fort Bliss in Texas.
The crash occurred near Rio Grande City in Starr County, where the aircraft went down during mid-afternoon. The passengers onboard included one woman and three men, as confirmed by Starr County Judge Eloy Vera. The names of the deceased individuals have not been released pending notification of their families. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, expressed his condolences on social media, stating that the bureau is mourning the loss of the passengers in the tragic incident. He also extended prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured Guard Soldier. This unfortunate event comes after a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter crashed in January due to a loss of power while patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border, resulting in minor injuries to the co-pilot.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the crash remain scarce as authorities continue to investigate the incident. The community mourns the loss of the lives in the helicopter crash, highlighting the risks faced by those involved in border security operations along the U.S.-Mexico border. The National Guard Bureau and other relevant agencies are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of their personnel as they carry out their duties in challenging environments.