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US border agent found dead after disappearing on patrol in New Mexico

Johan Mordan had been with his unit for less than one year 

James Crump
Monday 15 June 2020 18:36 BST
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Johan Mordan in his uniform
Johan Mordan in his uniform

A border patrol agent covering a trail in New Mexico, has been found dead, according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Johan Mordan, who was a first year border patrol agent, disappeared on Saturday in New Mexico’s Bootheel, after other agents lost communication with him.

A few minutes after agents lost contact with Mr Mordan, they found the 26-year-old, lying unconscious and unresponsive on the trail.

The agents performed CPR on Mr Mordan, as they waited for air assistance to arrive at the scene, but they were unable to revive him.

In a statement, Customs and Border Protection said: “Agents worked exhaustively trying to save him, unfortunately BPA Mordan could not be revived.”

They added: “All proper notifications and investigative protocols have been initiated.”

Mr Mordan, who joined the Border Patrol on 8 July 2019, was part of the organisation’s El Paso sector, that covers New Mexico and some of Texas, according to the El Paso Times.

US Customs and Border Protection acting Commissioner Mark Morgan paid tribute to Mr Mordan, on Twitter.

“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Border Patrol Agent Johan Mordan of El Paso Sector.”

Mr Morgan added: “He served his country and community with honor. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the entire Border Patrol community during this time.”

The cause of death has not yet been determined, and the authorities confirmed that they are awaiting the results of an autopsy.

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