Border agent dies on patrol near Arizona-Mexico border; authorities say no evidence of foul play
TUCSON, Ariz. - A U.S. Border Patrol agent has died after being found unresponsive while on patrol near the Arizona border, but authorities say there's no evidence of foul play.
The agency's Tucson sector says in a Monday statement that agents Sunday found 44-year-old Robert Hotten unresponsive near Mount Washington south of Patagonia in southeastern Arizona. He was patrolling alone, which is customary.
The agents rendered first aid before Hotten was airlifted to a ground ambulance. The 10-year Border Patrol veteran died on the way to a Nogales area hospital.
Chief Patrol Agent Roy Villareal has thanked agents and medical workers who tried to revive Hotten and offered condolences to his family.
The cause of death remains unknown.
“Tucson Sector is grieving today and our condolences are with Agent Hotten’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” said Tucson Sector Chief Patrol Agent Roy Villareal. “Our agents are assigned a dangerous mission in keeping our nation safe, and they risk their lives every day in the line-of-duty. I cannot express the sadness we feel when we lose one of our own. Even as we grieve, we will continue to put service before self and honor first. I thank the brave men and women who take this risk in service to our country.”