The body of Texas Army National Guard soldier Bishop Evans, who disappeared after attempting to help two people crossing the Rio Grande, was found on Monday, Representative Tony Gonzalez (R., Texas) told a San Antonio-based CBS affiliate.
Gonzales spoke in Eagle Pass, Texas, about the trials of families at the border on Monday and mentioned that Bishop’s body was found.
“It’s about those that serve here. It’s about those at work here. It’s about Bishop Evans, who was found today. It’s about his family. It’s about all the families that have been impacted,” Gonzales said, according to KENS 5.
Evans disappeared on Friday while trying to rescue two apparent migrants, who were later identified as drug traffickers.
“The service member selflessly attempted to help two migrants who appeared to be drowning as they illegally crossed the river from Mexico to the United States,” the Texas Military Department said in a statement on Saturday. “Initial reports from the Texas Rangers have determined that the two migrants were involved in illicit transnational narcotics trafficking. They remain in the custody of US Customs and Border Patrol.”
Evans, 22, was at the border as part of Texas’s Operation Lone Star, intended to halt illegal migrant crossings, according to Fox News.
“Our National Guard soldiers risk their lives every day to serve and protect others and we are eternally grateful for the way SPC Evans heroically served his state and country,” Texas governor Greg Abbott said in a statement. “I ask that Texans join Cecilia and me in praying for the family and friends of SPC Evans as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.”