LA GRULLA, Texas – UPDATE (10:03 a.m., March 10, 2024): U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas identified a Border Patrol agent killed in a Friday helicopter crash.
Mayorkas said Border Patrol agent Chris Luna and two National Guardsmen were killed after a helicopter crashed in La Grulla, located in Starr County.
“We are devastated by the tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, a heroic public servant who lost his life Friday in a helicopter crash while on a Border Patrol mission in Texas,” Mayorkas said in a statement Sunday morning. “Two National Guardsmen were also killed, and one National Guardsman was seriously injured.
“Every single day, our Border Patrol Agents place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us can be safe and secure. My thoughts, and the deepest condolences of our Department, are with Agent Luna’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, and with those of the National Guardsmen who lost their lives. We hope for the injured servicemember’s swift recovery, and hold our National Guard colleagues and their families in our thoughts as well.”
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection released a statement on Sunday afternoon regarding the death of Agent Luna, “This tragic event highlights the inherent risks faced by Border Patrol Agents every day and it reminds us of their courage and sacrifice. We mourn the loss of our brother Chris and we will honor him with dedication and distinction. Our focus is now with his family and the agents of RGC who displayed great courage and acts of heroism in attempting to save those involved in this tragic event,” said Gloria I. Chavez Chief Patrol Agent of the Rio Grande Border Patrol Sector.” Our thoughts and prayers are with BPA Luna’s family and friends, our agents and employees, and our partners at the Department of Defense and their families who also suffered a tragic loss.”
A senior official from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed to KSAT Sunday morning the identities of the two National Guardsmen — Casey Frankoski and John Grassia — killed in the crash.
Frankoski and Grassia were both chief warrant officers.
Another seriously injured National Guardsman has yet to be identified.
Below is the original story from Friday night.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A helicopter flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas crashed Friday, killing two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent, the military said. Another soldier on board was injured.
The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was assigned to the federal government's border security mission when it went down near Rio Grande City, according to a statement released by Joint Task Force North. The cause was under investigation.
The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations, according to the statement. No other details were provided.
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, the county’s top official, said those on board included one woman and three men. He said the person who was injured was in critical condition.
The names of those killed were not immediately released.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, in a post on X, sent his condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the three people killed, and prayers for the injured soldier's speedy recovery.
“We mourn these heartbreaking deaths,” Hokanson's post said. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. All of these people represent selfless service & the best of America."
Border Patrol spokespersons did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
The site of the crash is in Texas' Rio Grande Valley. The Starr County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook on Friday that it was assisting with a “downed helicopter incident” on the east side of the county.
Vera said the scene had been secured by the sheriff's office and that federal officials were on the way.
The border region is heavily patrolled by both state and federal authorities, including routine aerial surveillance.
In January, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter patrolling the state's border with Mexico lost power and crashed, officials said at the time. The co-pilot suffered a minor hand injury and the helicopter was significantly damaged.
That helicopter was flying as part of Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s nearly $10 billion border mission that has tested the federal government’s authority over immigration.