Current:Home > InvestNational Guard helicopter crashes in Texas: 3 killed include 2 soldiers, 1 US border agent-InfoLens
National Guard helicopter crashes in Texas: 3 killed include 2 soldiers, 1 US border agent
View Date:2024-12-23 11:33:12
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! (6)
Related
- World leaders aim to shape Earth's future at COP29 climate change summit
- College Football Playoff bracket: Complete playoff picture after latest rankings
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
- Roster limits in college small sports put athletes on chopping block while coaches look for answers
- Wendi McLendon-Covey talks NBC sitcom 'St. Denis Medical' and hospital humor
- Roster limits in college small sports put athletes on chopping block while coaches look for answers
- Republican Dan Newhouse wins reelection to US House in Washington
- Opinion: Chris Wallace leaves CNN to go 'where the action' is. Why it matters
- Why have wildfires been erupting across the East Coast this fall?
- College Football Playoff ranking release: Army, Georgia lead winners and losers
Ranking
- Who will be in the top 12? Our College Football Playoff ranking projection
- Kentucky gets early signature win at Champions Classic against Duke | Opinion
- Contained, extinguished and mopping up: Here’s what some common wildfire terms mean
- As Northeast wildfires keep igniting, is there a drought-buster in sight?
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- Lululemon, Disney partner for 34-piece collection and campaign: 'A dream collaboration'
- Beyoncé course coming to Yale University to examine her legacy
Recommendation
-
MVSU football player killed, driver injured in crash after police chase
-
Ben Foster files to divorce Laura Prepon after 6 years, according to reports
-
Officer injured at Ferguson protest shows improvement, transferred to rehab
-
As the transition unfolds, Trump eyes one of his favorite targets: US intelligence
-
Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times
-
Target will be closed on Thanksgiving: Here’s when stores open on Black Friday
-
As CFP rankings punish SEC teams, do we smell bias against this proud and mighty league?
-
Women’s baseball players could soon have a league of their own again