Fox News reported on Tuesday that the service member shot himself in the head and an orchard farmer discovered the guardsman’s remains on his property.
“Cecilia and I are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of a soldier with the Texas National Guard. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the soldier,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release on Tuesday.
“Texas Rangers are leading the investigation, as the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety coordinate with local law enforcement. I ask all Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the soldier’s family during this heartbreaking time. And for any Texan who is in crisis, we urge you to seek help immediately from a family member, loved one, or a mental health service.”
The news release provided links to mental health and other crisis resources from the Texas Military Department and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Beto O’Rourke also commented on the guardsman’s death.
“I’m so sorry to hear that a tenth Texas National Guard member has lost their life while deployed under Operation Lone Star,” O’Rourke tweeted. “My thoughts are with his family, community, and the members of the Guard who served all of us alongside him. They should never be used as political pawns.”
Abbott commenced Operation Lone Star in March 2021 to combat illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and other illegal activity.
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Hayden Sparks
Hayden Sparks is a senior reporter for The Texan and a lifelong resident of the Lone Star State. He has coached competitive speech and debate and has been involved in politics since a young age. One of Hayden's favorite quotes is by Sam Houston: "Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may."