United States Department of Justice - Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Government
End of Watch Saturday, August 27, 1994
Add to My HeroesJuan C. Vars
Special Agent Juan Vars was killed in an aircraft accident shortly after taking off from a runway in the jungles of Peru. Four other agents were also killed.
The agents were participating in Operation Snowcap, to provided support to Peruvian and Bolivian law enforcement personnel. They had taken off from a small runway in the Upper Huallaga River Valley, 15 miles west of Santa Lucia, to conduct a surveillance flight when the plane crashed. The wreckage was located the following day, but rescuers were not able to reach the site until the next day.
Special Agent Vars had served with the Drug Enforcement Administration for seven years. He was survived by his fiancé and parents.
Bio
- Age 32
- Tour 7 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
- Location Overseas
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsJuan Carlos was a great friend and a great son. I was shocked when I read the news about his death in 1994. I still miss him. Thank you for all you did.
Miguel D. Lopez, Captain
U.S. Army
October 3, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Isaiah Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025