PATAGONIA, AZ — A Border Patrol agent died while on duty in southern Arizona Sunday night, officials say.
According to Acting Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection Mark Morgan, Agent Robert Hotten was found unresponsive while on patrol near Patagonia, south of Tucson. He served with the agency for 10 years.
Last night, we lost one of our own, U.S. Border Patrol Agent Robert Hotten. Agent Hotten was found unresponsive while on patrol in AZ. Agent Hotten, Class 910, served for 10 years in USBP. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, son, loved ones, and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/yDDKOg6Pun
— Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) October 7, 2019
While the cause of his death is currently unknown, Hotten was believed to have been injured in a fall, according to officials at a Monday afternoon press conference.
When Hotten was located, crews performed CPR for two hours before Hotten was able to be airlifted to an awaiting ambulance and transported to a nearby hospital.
Medical authorities pronounced him deceased on Sunday. He was 44 years old.
"On behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol, Tucson Sector, I want to thank the responding agents and emergency response personnel who worked attentively to render aid and secure medical assistance," said Chief Patrol Agent Roy Villareal. "Our deepest sympathies are extended to Agent Robert M. Hotten’s family, friends, and colleagues. I ask that you keep Agent Hotten’s loved ones in your thoughts and prayers."
