U.S. Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz was killed while on duty on Wednesday evening in a single-vehicle collision.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, was contacted on Tuesday November 14, 2023 at approximately 7:09 p.m. about a single vehicle collision in the area of Chino Road and West 5th Street in Douglas. The information received indicated that the sole occupant involved was a United States Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Douglas Station, Tucson Sector.
The initial investigation indicates that the 44-year-old agent was on an all-terrain vehicle traveling westbound on International Avenue in response to a call for suspected undocumented immigrants. Accident investigators noted that the ATV left the roadway before striking a fixed light pole.
US Border Patrol agents discovered the accident scene and medical personnel were dispatched. The agent was subsequently transported to the Copper Queen Hospital in Douglas where he was pronounced deceased as a result of his injuries.
“U.S. Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz’s on-duty death is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangerous nature of our mission” said John Modlin, Chief Patrol Agent for Tucson Sector. “ I am grateful for all the Border Patrol Agents, first responders, and medical staff who attempted to save his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones.”
“It is an incredibly sad day for our brothers and sisters in Border Patrol and we have only the highest level of respect for the job these brave souls do every single day. God bless all of those in his work family and his home family, and know we are here if you need us,” said Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels.
The investigation is being continued by the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and U.S Customs and Border Protection’s, Office of Professional Responsibility.