In a tragic incident on Friday, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter crash along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas resulted in the death of two Army National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent. The helicopter, which was engaged in the federal government’s border security operations, went down near Rio Grande City in Starr County during the mid-afternoon hours.
One soldier miraculously survived the crash but is currently in critical condition. The Joint Task Force North, operating out of Fort Bliss, confirmed the helicopter’s role in border security efforts. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending notification of their families, and the cause of the crash is under active investigation.
In the wake of the accident, President Biden extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. “As we investigate the circumstances of this crash, we continue to stand with our service members, border agents, and their families, whose contributions to our nation are vital to our security,” he remarked on Saturday.
General Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, expressed profound grief over the loss on social media. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. We pray for the speedy recovery of the third Guard Soldier who was seriously injured,” he stated.
This incident follows a January crash involving a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter, which experienced a power loss while also patrolling the border. Fortunately, in that instance, the co-pilot sustained only a minor hand injury.
The recent crash has cast a somber shadow over the state, which has been actively involved in border security measures. This includes the recent legislation signed by the Texas governor, making illegal border crossing a state crime, as Texas continues to allocate substantial resources towards managing migrant movements.
The community mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals, and the nation is reminded of the inherent risks faced by those who secure its borders. The investigation into the crash will seek to provide answers and prevent future tragedies of this nature.
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