National Guard soldier identified as authorities are 'working rapidly' as search continues
EAGLE PASS, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities said the search continues for, Bishop E. Evans, the missing soldier supporting tightened inspections in the state's border region.
Operation Lone Star was assigned the search for Evans. The Texas Military Department was able to notify the family Friday evening.
The Texas Military Department, Texas DPS and Border Patrol said they are "working rapidly" to find the soldier.
Due to the strength of the river's current, it forced the search and rescue teams to stop dive operations on Friday and Saturday night.
Search and rescue operations began again early Sunday morning, with the addition of three airboats from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In a statement, the state military branch said Evans disappeared along the river on Friday in Eagle Pass after attempting to help two migrants who appeared to be drowning. They remain in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Gov. Greg Abbott, whose executive order propelled the operation at the border, said he's monitoring the search.
"My office continues to work with the Texas National Guard and other law enforcement agencies as they search for the missing soldier in Eagle Pass," Abbott tweeted.
"Jan and I are deeply saddened to hear the news that a Texas National Guard soldier has gone missing in the Rio Grande while trying to save struggling migrants. Please join us in prayer as they search for the missing soldier. Texans are grateful for the sacrifices our soldiers and first responders make for us every day," said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on Friday.
The Texas Military Department said the search will continue until they have exhausted all available resources.
This is not the first incident involving a Guard soldier while supporting Operation Lone Star.
In February, Spc. Dajuan Towns, a 19-year-old from Spring, died in a non-mission-related incident. The Army Times reported that Townes was sitting in a car at Fort Clark Springs when he handed his personal gun to another soldier in the backseat, and it went off by accident.
SEE MORE: Soldier from Spring killed in accidental shooting, Texas Army National Guard says
This is a developing story. All updates can be found in this article and on upcoming Eyewitness News newscasts streaming on ABC13's 24/7 Streaming Channel.
