Douglas Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz identified as agent in fatal crash

The Douglas Border Patrol agent who died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on Tuesday has been identified as 44-year-old Freddy Ortiz.

The accident happened at 7:09 p.m. in the area of Chino Road and West Fifth Street in Douglas, according to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Ortiz was riding an ATV westbound on International Avenue in response to a call about suspected undocumented migrants.

The ATV soon left the roadway and hit a fixed light pole.

“U.S. Border Patrol Agent Freddy’s Ortiz’s on-duty death is a tragedy and a stark reminder of the dangerous nature of our mission,” John Modlin, chief patrol agent of the U.S. Border Patrol's Tucson Sector, said in a Wednesday Facebook message posted by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.

“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.”

Border Patrol agents found the accident and medical personnel were dispatched to the scene. Ortiz was taken to Copper Queen Community Hospital in Douglas where he died as a result of his injuries.

“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,” Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels said in a Facebook post.

The incident is being investigated by the Sheriff's Office and U.S Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility.

Have a news tip or story idea about the border and its communities? Contact the reporter at josecastaneda@arizonarepublic.com or connect with him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @joseicastaneda.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Border Patrol agent involved in fatal crash identified as Freddy Ortiz