Fallen Border Patrol Agent Comes Home To Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — A procession for a fallen border patrol agent who was tragically killed last week made its final journey to Beaumont Wednesday.

The body of El Centro Sector Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos was brought to Weaver Mortuary and Crematory on Beaumont Avenue Wednesday afternoon with honors as first responders escorted the 35-year-old agent.

Flores died the afternoon of March 15 after being struck on Highway 86, north of N. Marina Drive, in Salton City. He was tending to a crash scene during a period of limited visibility when a passing vehicle hit him, the U.S. Border Patrol said in a released statement.

Gusty winds, with blowing dust and sand, were reported that day.

An Imperial County Sheriff's Office deputy provided first-aid to Flores and called for emergency medical personnel, but the agent was pronounced dead at Pioneers Memorial Hospital, the USBP reported.

Flores was assigned to the federal agency's Indio Station.

"It is with a profound sense of loss that we mourn the passing of one of our own, Border Patrol Agent Alejandro Flores," El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino said last week. "The men and women of the El Centro Sector will be deeply impacted by this tragic loss."

Flores leaves behind his wife and three children, according to the USBP.

A GoFundMe page established for the family had raised more than $85,000 as of Thursday morning.

Flores was a 12-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to the page.

"Agent Flores leaves behind a pregnant wife and three children," the page stated. "Agent Flores will be remembered for his smile, and upbeat demeanor; always willing to lend a hand. All funds will be going directly to his family to assist them with their loss and to help with future expenses."

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