The U.S. Border Patrol is in mourning following the loss of one of their agents, as revealed by Chief Patrol Agent Gregory K. Bovino in a social media post. Agent Maxwell T. Zakar has passed away, according to Bovino's statement on X

Bovino expressed his grief saying, "The El Centro Sector mourns the tragic loss of one of our own. It is with heavy hearts we announce the untimely passing of Border Patrol Agent Maxwell T. Zakar who served our community with honor and commitment. He passed away, off duty, after a medical emergency. Rest in peace Border Patrol Agent Maxwell T. Zakar."

A GoFundMe account was set up to assist Zakar’s family with funeral and burial services, revealing that he passed away on Jan. 2. The fundraiser has successfully collected $37,362 from 360 donations so far, surpassing its original goal of $30,000.

Ricardo Nieblas, the organizer of the fundraiser shared some details about Zakar's life: "Agent Zakar entered on duty on December 2, 2019, with Class 1141 at the Calexico Border Patrol Station. He was an avid runner and enjoyed competing in various-length races. He also enjoyed watching his sons play baseball. Agent Zakar is survived by his wife Claudia and their two children Roman and Jaxon; as well as his two brothers Nick and Morgan; and his entire Border Patrol family. This is a tragic loss for all of Agent Zakar’s family, friends, and coworkers. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all that are impacted by this loss."

The last time an agent from the El Centro sector lost their life while on duty was in 2021 when Alejandro Flores-Bañuelos was fatally struck by a passing vehicle in Salton City while assisting a motorist involved in a collision. According to a news release by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Flores-Bañuelos was responding to reports of a crash on state Route 86 north of Marina Drive during a dust storm that caused low visibility. He had served the agency for 12 years and left behind a wife and three children.