End of Watch: Border Patrol Agent Robert Hotten
Border Patrol Agent Robert Hotten
United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government
End of Watch Sunday, October 6, 2019
BIO
Age 44
Tour 10 years
Badge Not available
INCIDENT DETAILS
Cause Unidentified
Location Arizona
Border Patrol Agent Robert Hotten died while attempting to locate a group of seven suspected illegal aliens in the area of Mount Washington, south of Patagonia, Arizona.
He and two other agents had gone to the area after a ground sensor was activated at 1:00 p.m. indicating that seven subjects were in the area. During the ensuing search, one of the subjects was taken into custody.
The agents began a search for Agent Hotten when he failed to respond to radio transmissions. He was found unresponsive with a head injury, possibly from falling on rocks, at approximately 4:15 p.m. Due to the remote and rugged nature of their location, they were unable to immediately move him for transport. The agents performed CPR and provided medical aid for more than two hours until he could be carried down the steep mountainside. He was flown to a hospital in Nogales where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation is underway to determine what caused his injuries and death.
Agent Hotten had served with the United States Border Patrol for 10 years and was assigned to the Tucson Sector. He is survived by his wife, son, mother, brother, and sister.
Please contact the following agency to send condolences or to obtain funeral arrangements:
Chief of Border Patrol Carla Provost
United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Room 6.5E
Washington, DC 20229
Phone: (202) 344-1770
