Holly MatkinSalton City, CA – U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Banuelos was killed in the line of duty on Monday after being struck by a vehicle while helping the victim of a car crash.
The series of events leading to the 35-year-old agent’s death began shortly before 4:30 p.m., when a 2017 Nissan Sentra drove off of Highway 86 north of North Marina Drive during a dust storm, the Desert Sun reported.
Agent Flores-Banuelos was first to arrive at the scene, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He was trying to help the 75-year-old female passenger sitting in the vehicle when a 64-year-old man in a 2017 Chevrolet crashed into him and the right side of the crash victim’s car, the Desert Sun reported.
The elderly woman and Agent Flores-Banuelos were rushed to Pioneers Memorial Hospital where the agent was pronounced dead.
The woman was hospitalized and treated for moderate injuries.
The driver of the Nissan was not injured, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
“All aspects of the traffic collision, including the weather and highway conditions, are currently being investigated by our Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team,” CHP Officer Carlos Flores told the Desert Sun.
“It is with a profound sense of loss that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores,” El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino said in a statement after the deadly collision. “The men and women of the El Centro Sector will be deeply impacted by this tragic loss.”
Agent Flores-Banuelos, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, served the U.S. Border Patrol for 12 years, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
He leaves behind his expectant wife, as well as his three children.
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos, a former Marine & 12 year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol.
He served his country & community with honor, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.🇺🇸#HonorFirst pic.twitter.com/CixmCTR2la
— USBP Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino (@USBPChiefELC) March 16, 2021
Rest In Peace: Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos. U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Government. End of watch Tuesday, March 16, 2021. @CBP @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/F46kSbe8TC
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) March 17, 2021
Our condolences to the family, friends, and the United States Border Patrol on the #LODD of Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos https://t.co/Fu87YBGWNx pic.twitter.com/o8xn65ej7R
— Dearborn Police (@DearbornPolice) March 17, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Banuelos, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
