Many people are sending their condolences and trying to raise money for the family of a young Border Patrol agent who died on the job in South Texas on November 1, 2024.
Jose Martin Rodriguez-Lua, a 21-year-old Border Patrol Processing Coordinator, was killed when another driver hit the Border Patrol transport van he was riding in head-on in Hidalgo County.
The driver who caused the accident died at the scene. The Border Patrol Agent who was driving the government car that was involved in the accident was also hurt, but he or she was released from the hospital after getting treatment.
A family friend of Lua set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for the funeral. As of Sunday night, November 3, 2024, more than $18,000 had been raised.
Elected officials in the government are publicly sending their condolences to the family:
“Heidi and I are praying for the family, loved ones, and colleagues of fallen Border Patrol processing coordinator Jose Martin Rodriguez-Lua who died in a car crash last night, and for a swift recovery for the Border Patrol agent who was injured in the crash. This is a heartbreaking tragedy — Rodriguez-Lua was only 21 years old. May God heal and comfort his family, the men and women in green, and his loved ones as they mourn his passing. –U.S. Senator Ted Cruz
“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Jose Martin Rodriguez-Lua. May he rest in peace, and I pray for strength and solace for his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.” –U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
