Military

Reports: Texas National Guard Soldier Missing After Trying To Save Migrants in Rio Grande

April 22, 2022Hannah Ray Lambert
Texas soldier border

A soldier from the 36th Infantry Division, Texas Army National Guard, observes a section of the Rio Grande River at sunset Sept. 11, 2014. US Army photo by Maj. Randall Stillinger.

A Texas Army National Guard soldier disappeared along the Rio Grande during a “mission related incident” Friday, April 22, the Texas Military Department has confirmed.


The soldier, assigned to Operation Lone Star, has not been found, according to a statement from the TMD. Fox News first reported the incident, saying the soldier had drowned while attempting to rescue migrants, but the TMD called reports of a fatality “inaccurate.”


“The Texas Military Department, Texas DPS and Border Patrol are working rapidly to find the Soldier,” the statement from the TMD reads. “More details will be released as they become available.”


The incident happened near Eagle Pass, Texas, which is about 55 miles south of Del Rio.


Lt. Christopher Olivarez of the Texas Department of Public Safety told the Washington Post the Guard soldier was carried away by the current during the rescue attempt. Texas DPS declined to comment on the incident when contacted by Coffee or Die Magazine




This is a breaking news story and will be updated as Coffee or Die Magazine learns more.


Read Next: Court-Martial of Two-Star General Enters Closing Arguments



Hannah Ray Lambert
Hannah Ray Lambert

Hannah Ray Lambert is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die who previously covered everything from murder trials to high school trap shooting teams. She spent several months getting tear gassed during the 2020-2021 civil unrest in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not working, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and talking about authors and books on her podcast Between Lewis and Lovecraft.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved