Current:Home > InvestNational Guard helicopter crashes in Texas: 3 killed include 2 soldiers, 1 US border agent-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
National Guard helicopter crashes in Texas: 3 killed include 2 soldiers, 1 US border agent
View Date:2024-12-24 10:35:26
A National Guard helicopter that flew over the U.S.-Mexico border crashed in Texas on Friday has claimed the lives of two National Guard soldiers and a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Another National Guard solider was injured.
Around 2:50 p.m. MST, a UH-72 Lakota helicopter assigned to the federal Southwest border support mission crashed while conducting an aviation operation near Rio Grande City, 41 miles west of McAllen, the Joint Task Force North said in a press release.
The Starr County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a, “downed helicopter incident.” Police confirmed that there was possibly fourth passengers on board the plane, the press release states.
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera told the Associated Press that the passengers on the chopper included one woman and three men. Vera said the person who was injured was in critical condition.
The Joint Task Force North will not release the names of those who were killed in the crash until all the families are notified.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Deadly crash:5 people dead after single-engine plane crashes along Nashville interstate: What we know
Tributes pour in for the fallen soldiers, border patrol agent
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, sent his condolences on Friday to the family, friends and colleagues of those killed.
“Kelly & I, & the National Guard family, send our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, friends & colleagues of the two Army National Guard Soldiers and the U.S. Border Patrol officer killed in today's helicopter crash in Texas., Hokanson wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We mourn these heartbreaking deaths. They are a tragic loss beyond words. We pray for the speedy recovery of a third Guard Soldier who was seriously injured. All of these people represent selfless service & the best of America.”
A Texas congresswoman asked for prayers in the wake of the deadly crash.
"I am asking for a prayer request and support for Border Patrol and CBP Air and Marine Operations. A tragic helicopter crash just happened near La Grulla, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with you," Rep. Mayra Flores Vallejo (R-TX) wrote in a post on X.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram and X @forbesfineest.
veryGood! (99)
Related
- The Daily Money: Markets react to Election 2024
- 5 killed, including 2 police officers, in an ambush in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca
- At least 3 dead, 3 missing after landslide hits remote Alaskan town
- Ohio Walmart mass shooting possibly motivated by racist ideology, FBI says
- Kim Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian Team Up for SKIMS Collab With Dolce & Gabbana After Feud
- Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel’s hit list after last month’s deadly attack
- Bruce Willis' Wife Emma Shares Throwback Blended Family Photo on Thanksgiving 2023
- 5 killed, including 2 police officers, in an ambush in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca
- Utah AD Mark Harlan fined $40,000 for ripping referees and the Big 12 after loss to BYU
- Consumers grow cautious about holiday spending as inflation, debt shorten shopping lists
Ranking
- Lou Donaldson, jazz saxophonist who blended many influences, dead at 98
- AP Week in Pictures: Global | Nov. 17 - Nov. 23, 2023
- Travis Kelce after Chiefs' loss to Eagles: 'I'm not playing my best football right now'
- Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses accused of 1989 sexual assault in lawsuit by former model
- John Krasinski Revealed as People's Sexiest Man Alive 2024
- Federal judge shortens Montana’s wolf trapping season to protect non-hibernating grizzly bears
- Closing arguments in Vatican trial seek to expose problems in the city state’s legal system
- Microsoft hires Sam Altman 3 days after OpenAI fired him as CEO
Recommendation
-
Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand
-
Prosecutors ask to effectively close case against top Italian, WHO officials over COVID-19 response
-
Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel’s hit list after last month’s deadly attack
-
Sister Wives' Christine and Janelle Brown Reveal When They Knew Their Marriages to Kody Were Over
-
DWTS’ Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran Prove They're Closer Than Ever Amid Romance Rumors
-
Railyard explosion, inspections raise safety questions about Union Pacific’s hazmat shipping
-
Cuba Gooding Jr. sued for sexual assault, battery in two new lawsuits by former accusers
-
Lawsuit blaming Tesla’s Autopilot for driver’s death can go to trial, judge rules