A woman from Mexico died following a vehicle crash in Arizona during an attempted human smuggling operation. The incident occurred on August 9, 2024, when U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) Tucson Station personnel observed a gold SUV suspected of human smuggling traveling south on Ruby Road in Arivaca, Arizona.
At around 2:08 p.m., USBP agents began tracking the vehicle after receiving information that its license plate did not match the registration. By approximately 2:27 p.m., agents located the SUV near the international border and coordinated to stop it. When they activated their emergency equipment at about 2:33 p.m., the driver did not yield, leading to a pursuit.
The SUV crashed shortly after, just north of Wedgeford Road and Ruby Road intersection. Multiple individuals were ejected from the vehicle, including the deceased woman who was unresponsive upon discovery by USBP agents. Emergency medical services were called immediately.
Despite efforts by USBP agents and Arivaca Fire District EMS personnel to revive her using CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED), she was pronounced dead at approximately 2:56 p.m. Six other individuals with non-life-threatening injuries were transported to Banner - University Medical Center in Tucson for treatment.
An autopsy conducted by Pima County Office of Medical Examiner determined blunt force trauma as the cause of death and ruled it accidental. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident, while CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a review. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General has been notified.
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