Border Patrol agent Manuel Alvarez was killed in a motorcycle crash on Thursday.
Alvarez was stationed at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Casa Grande station.
He is survived by his wife and four children, according to CBP Commissioner Kerlikowske.
Chief Patrol Agent of the Tucson Sector Paul Beeson this is a loss that is going to be felt for a long time.
"It's important to understand this is a tragic loss for the Border Patrol," Beeson said. "Manny was a member of our team, a member of our family."
Beeson says that around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Alvarez was involved in a motorcycle accident on a dirt road in a remote area near Vamori. Alvarez was on patrol in the area.
Beeson says motorcycle is a tough, dirty job and not everybody signs up to do that kind of work.
U.S. Representative Martha McSally released the following statement on his death:
I’m deeply saddened to hear of the death of Border Patrol Agent Manuel Alvarez. Agent Alvarez put his life on the line so that others could be kept safe. He died while serving to protect our communities and our nation, and his death is felt by all Southern Arizonans. There’s no denying the danger agents face every time they put on the uniform, and for that, they deserve our constant and unwavering gratitude. My sincere condolences go out to Agent Alvarez’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.
A GoFundMe page was set up to assist Alvarez's family.
