By Joanna Putman
Police1
TUCSON, Ariz. — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a call on Nov. 14, KOLD reported.
According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, Agent Freddy Ortiz crashed his ATV into a light pole while responding to a call reporting suspected undocumented immigrants, according to the report.
Ortiz was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“U.S. Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz’s on-duty death is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangerous nature of our mission,” Chief Patrol Agent for Tucson Sector John Modlin told KOLD. " 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.”
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, Ortiz was 44 years old and had served in the U.S. Border Patrol for 13 years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and is survived by his mother and stepfather.
“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,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels told KOLD. “God bless all of those in his work family and his home family, and know we are here if you need us.”