A female Border Patrol agent who had worked for the agency since 2003 was killed in Texas the line of duty over the weekend, officials said.
Donna Doss, 49, was in Abilene at 8:50 p.m. on Feb. 2 responding to a call for assistance from a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper on a frontage road.
While on the scene, she was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.
Doss was pronounced dead at the scene. An investigation into the crash was launched.
Doss is survived by her husband, father, mother, two-step children, sister, and two brothers.
Del Rio Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak said that the loss of Doss is difficult.
“Agent Doss died while performing her duty, protecting the community and the United States. Our heart, prayers, and support go out to Agent Doss’ family in this time of need,” he said in a statement.
“Last night, while on duty, United States Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss lost her life in Abilene, Texas. Agent Doss of Class 569 served for nearly 16 years. On behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), my deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones,” added CBP Commissioner Keven McAleenan in a statement.
The Abilene Police Officer’s Association also responded to the news, saying: “Prayers tonight … officer down. Federal agent struck in our area.”
Last night, while on duty, United States Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss lost her life in Abilene, Texas. Agent Doss of Class 569 served for nearly 16 years. On behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, my deepest condolences go out to her family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/QZx9CHlCrc
— Kevin McAleenan (@CBP_McAleenan) February 3, 2019
Dawn Buckingham, a Texas state senator, said in a statement: “Tragic news. Ed and I send our condolences and prayers to this agent’s family and the law enforcement community.”
Rep Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) added, “Our hearts are heavy to hear of the passing of Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss, who was killed in the line of duty last night.”
“This is yet another reminder that our border patrol agents and other law enforcement officers put themselves in harms way day in and day out to keep our communities safe,” he said. “Few people in their lifetime will earn the title of hero—Donna Doss unequivocally did. Anne and I extend our deepest condolences to the Doss family and the entire Abilene community.”
Tragic news in #sd24 ’s Taylor County. Ed and I send our condolences and prayers to this agent’s family and the law enforcement community. #txlege #86thLegislature https://t.co/hHwLnNo9yN
— Dawn Buckingham (@DrBuckinghamTX) February 3, 2019
Our hearts are heavy to hear of the passing of Border Patrol Agent Donna Doss, who was killed in the line of duty last night. https://t.co/VLdzq63shu
— Rep. Arrington (@RepArrington) February 3, 2019
The Border Patrol Agent Family Network said that it started a fundraiser to help the Doss family in the aftermath of the death.
The fundraiser was launched through Facebook.
It had raised over $11,000 from 284 people in two days as of Monday.
Saddened we lost a Border Patrol Agent last night. Join us in honoring her sacrifice. Together, we can make a difference. ????
#BPAFN #FallenAgent #DelRioSector https://t.co/vQK6BDkwCh pic.twitter.com/Uk7veMVtYn
— BPA Family Network (@BpaFamily) February 3, 2019
The last Border Patrol agent to die in the line of duty was Rogelio Martinez, 36, according to CBP.
Martinez died as the result of injuries he suffered while on patrol near Van Horn, Texas, on Nov. 19, 2017.
He had been an agent since 2013.
He was survived by his parents, brothers, son, fiancée, and her children.