Illegal immigrant dies in one-vehicle rollover near Premont


Posted: Thursday, February 9, 2012 10:01 am | Updated: 10:05 am, Thu Feb 9, 2012.


By Pete Garcia

Alice Echo-News Journal

U.S. Border Patrol agents are investigating the death of an illegal immigrant who died in a one-vehicle rollover south of Premont Thursday morning.

Agents were behind a suspect truck traveling north on County Road 1538 near County Road 417 at about 6:30 a.m. Thursday. After agents lost sight of the vehicle, it apparently rolled over.

Agents said about nine illegal immigrants were in the vehicle, and one died after being ejected.

Investigators said the occupant died after being crushed by the Chevy half-ton truck. Jim Wells County Capt. Joe Martinez said speed was likely the cause of the accident.


"They went through a gate a high rate of speed and hit a couple of trees," he said. Agents began searching for the vehicle Thursday morning after receiving a tip.

Of the nine illegal immigrants, seven were taken to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital in Alice for injuries.

The driver of the vehicle was being questioned Thursday morning. Investigators said he confessed to smuggling the immigrants. Their identifies and destination were still unknown Thursday morning.

Alice TX.com