The physique of a Texas Military Nationwide Guard soldier was recovered from the Rio Grande on Monday, a number of days after he went lacking whereas trying to save lots of drowning migrants.

Specialist Bishop Evans, 22, was confirmed to have died by Consultant Tony Gonzales whereas talking to The Texas Tribune on Monday. Gonzales' congressional district encompasses Eagle Go, the place Evans was stationed initially and the place he was washed away trying to save lots of migrants struggling to cross into the U.S. on Friday morning.

"SPC. Evans will eternally be remembered for the bravery and compassion he confirmed whereas saving lives within the Rio Grande," Gonzales wrote in a tweet. "We are going to make certain this younger soldier's sacrifice won't ever be forgotten."

Evans first joined the Texas Nationwide Guard in 2019, ultimately serving as a area artilleryman in Arlington, serving excursions in Iraq and Kuwait as a part of Operation Spartan Protect. He was later assigned to frame patrol in Eagle Go in late 2020 as a part of Governor Greg Abbott's complete Operation Lone Star initiative.

soldier found dead after helping migrants
Texas Nationwide Guard Specialist Bishop Evans' physique was positioned a number of days after being washed away whereas making an attempt to save lots of migrants struggling within the Rio Grande. Above, a piece of the U.S.-Mexico border in Eagle Go, the place Evans was stationed.Sergio Flores/AFP through Getty Photographs

"We're heartbroken to be taught of the loss of life of SPC Bishop E. Evans who was reported lacking in Eagle Go on Friday," Abbott mentioned in a press release about Evans' passing. "Our Nationwide Guard troopers threat their lives on daily basis to serve and shield others and we're eternally grateful for the way in which SPC Evans heroically served his state and nation."

Evans eliminated his physique armor earlier than leaping into the river at roughly 9:45 a.m. on Friday, in accordance with the Tribune. Regardless of that precaution, he didn't resurface. The hassle to find him started shortly afterward. The 2 migrants he was trying to assist survived and had been taken into U.S. Customs and Border Safety custody.

The hassle to search out Evans concerned search events combing the river utilizing boats and helicopters. The search was postponed briefly on Saturday as a result of river situations, however resumed on Sunday. Officers with the Texas Division of Public Security, Parks and Wildlife and Border Patrol helped with the search.

"We're devastated by the lack of a member of our Guard household," Main Basic Thomas Suelzer, adjutant common for Texas, mentioned in a press release. "We acknowledge the selflessness of this heroic soldier who put his life above others in service to our state and nationwide safety. The Texas Army Division sends our deepest condolences to the household."

Newsweek reached out to the Texas Nationwide Guard for remark.