“Prolonged exposure during the South Texas summer months is extremely dangerous for those not prepared for the unforgiving environment,” said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Raul L. Ortiz. “Our agents know these conditions well and risked their own safety to prevent further loss of life.”
Agents located the group in a remote area of Maverick County during one of the hottest days this year. When the group was located, several people were already showing symptoms of dehydration
and heat exhaustion, as temperatures rose above 100 degrees. One of the individuals, a 47-year-old Mexican national, became unresponsive, prompting agents to administer CPR and contact Emergency Medical Services for assistance.
Despite agents’ best efforts to resuscitate the man, he passed away at the scene. Two other individuals in the group were rushed to the hospital for heat-related symptoms. Five agents were also treated for heat exhaustion. Local authorities were contacted and took custody of the deceased.