Missing National Guardsman Confirmed Dead, Drowned Trying To Save Two Migrants

Texas National Guardsman Who Rescued Migrants Has Died

The body of a Texas National Army Guardsman who went missing after rescuing two migrants who were struggling in the Rio Grande River along the U.S.-Mexico border has been found. Officials say he drowned during the rescue attempt.

Specialist Bishop E. Evans,22, was declared deceased three days after officials reported he went missing after rescuing two migrants who appeared to be drowning in the Rio Grande.

Gov. Greg Abbott released a statement confirming Evans’ tragic death and called him “a hero who risked his life in service of Texas.”

JACQUI TIME: “I don’t believe the WH has so far commented on the death of Bishop Evans, the 22-year-old National Guard specialist who drowned trying to save two migrants. I wanted to give you an opportunity to say some words about that.” pic.twitter.com/qmNo4jF2iu

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) April 25, 2022

.@JacquiHeinrich to Psaki: “Does the White House feel any responsibility for his death given that there’s reporting he lost his life allegedly trying to save two migrants who were smuggling drugs? This is a problem that, you know, the administration has been facing for some time” pic.twitter.com/gKwTzgFiyh

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) April 25, 2022

“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of SPC Bishop E. Evans who was reported missing in Eagle Pass on Friday. I thank the members of the Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Border Patrol, and local law enforcement for working around the clock to locate this soldier. “

According to CBS News, Evans was assigned to A Battery, 4-133 Field Artillery Regiment in New Braunfels. He joined the National Guard in 2019 and took part in Operation Spartan Shield in Kuwait.

Officials said the two migrants that Evans rescued were taken into custody by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after military officials believed they were involved in a drug-smuggling scheme.

Evans’ death was also addressed during a White House press conference with press secretary Jen Psaki. It was also revealed before his disappearance that Evans removed his armor to help save the migrants.

Brave National Guardsman removed his armor before jumping in dangerous waters to save a human life. Please pray for the families of all those impacted. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/yo9CwHcw44

— Tony Gonzales (@TonyGonzales4TX) April 22, 2022