United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Age: 46
Tour of Duty: 16 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Aircraft accident
Date of Incident: May 22, 2007
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available
Agent Robert Smith was killed in a helicopter accident in San Elizario, Texas, while conducting a routine aerial patrol of the border area. The helicopter experienced a mechanical failure and crashed into a residential area.
Nearby citizens and Border Patrol agents immediately responded to the scene and rescued Agent Smith and a Border Patrol agent who was acting as an observer. Both agents were transported to Thomason Hospital, where Agent Smith later succumbed to his injuries.
Agent Smith was a US Navy veteran and had served in law enforcement for 16 years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and three siblings.