The search for a Texas Army National Guard soldier is paused hours after he was reportedly missing after he attempted to rescue a migrant woman from a river near the border of Mexico.
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A press release from the Texas Military Department said the search was on pause until Saturday due to the strong currents of the Rio Grande and the soldier’s next of kin will be notified. “Unfortunately, the strength of the river’s current has forced the Search and Rescue Teams to cease dive operations. We are hopeful that they will resume tomorrow. We will continue the search for our Soldier until we have exhausted all possible resources. We are in the process of notifying the next of kin regarding the missing Soldier,” it reads.
The TMD previously wrote in a statement that the soldier remains missing as of Friday in Eagle Pass. According to The New York Post, Fox News previously reported that the soldier reportedly drowned and a body was found but officials said the claims were false. “A Texas Army National Guard Soldier assigned to Operation Lone Star has gone missing along the river during a mission-related incident, Friday April 22, 2022 in Eagle Pass, Texas. The Soldier has not been found,” the statement reads.
“We are aware of reports of a fatality, although those reports are inaccurate. The Texas Military Department, Texas DPS and Border Patrol are working rapidly to find the Soldier. More details will be released as they become available.”
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Governor Greg Abbott released a statement about the missing soldier earlier today: “The Texas Governor’s office continues to work with the Texas National Guard and other law enforcement agencies as they search for the missing soldier. Updates will be provided as additional details become available.”
Other reports claimed authorities found a walkie-talkie and a body armor that allegedly belonged to the soldier. It was also claimed the solider jumped into the Rio Grande to help save a migrant woman who was stranded in the water.
Border Patrol Union President Jon Anfinsen said the woman survived after the soldier jumped in after her but the soldier never came back up. His identity is currently unknown to the public.
“Sometimes you see migrants use an inner tube, but in this part of the river, people hold hands and walk across in a human chain. If they step in a hole, that’s it. The river looks calm and walkable but it’s fast-moving and deceiving.”
Texas DPS Lt. Christopher Olivarez said the powerful river currents have caused the drownings of 10 people this week.