By Steve Neavling
A Border Patrol agent was killed in an ATV crash Tuesday while responding to a call for suspected undocumented immigrants in Arizona, officials said.
Freddy Ortiz, 44, was riding an ATF when it veered off the road and struck a light pole at about 7 p.m. in Douglas, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. “I am grateful for all the Border Patrol Agents, first responders, and medical staff who attempted to save his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Ortiz died of his injuries at a hospital.
“U.S. Border Patrol Agent Freddy’s Ortiz’s on-duty death is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangerous nature of our mission,” John Modlin, chief patrol agent for the Tucson Sector, said in the release.
“It is an incredibly sad day for our brothers and sisters in Border Patrol and we have only the highest level of respect for the job these brave souls do every single day,” Sheriff Mark Dannels added.
