The body of a Texas National Guard soldier who drowned while trying to rescue migrants in the Rio Grande river has been found.
Specialist Bishop Evans, 22, went missing after he jumped into the river near Eagle Pass, Texas, on Friday in an attempt to save two migrants who appeared to be drowning.
Republican Rep Tony Gonzales told KENS 5 on Monday that Evans’ body had been recovered. The Congressman spoke about Evans while addressing border issues in Eagle Pass.
‘It’s about those that serve here. It’s about those at work here. It’s about Bishop Evans, who was found today,’ Gonzalez said. ‘It’s about his family. It’s about all the families that have been impacted.’
Texas officials identified Evans, of Arlington, on Sunday. Evans ‘selflessly attempted to help two migrants who appeared to be drowning as they illegally crossed the river from Mexico to the United States’, according to the Texas Military Department.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said state officials were ‘heartbroken’ over Evans’ death and expressed gratitude to those who searched for him.
‘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,’ Abbott stated.
‘I ask that Texans join (First Lady of Texas) Cecilia and me in praying for the family and friends of SPC Evans as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.’
Evans joined the Texas Army National Guard in May 2019 and was assigned to A Battery, 4-133 Field Artillery Regiment in New Braunfels.
‘SPC. Evans will forever be remembered for the bravery and compassion he showed while saving lives in the Rio Grande,’ Gonzalez tweeted on Sunday. ‘We will make sure this young soldier’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.’
Evan died a month before President Joe Biden plans to end Title 42, a Trump-era policy that immigration agencies used to turn away migrants during the coronavirus pandemic.
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