Flags to fly at half-staff in Arizona for Border Patrol agent who died in crash

Aug 4, 2021, 5:00 PM | Updated: 9:23 pm

Border Patrol Agent Daniel P. Cox (Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags be lowered to half-staff on Thursday at all state buildings in honor of Border Patrol Agent Daniel P. Cox who died in a head-on collision early Saturday morning.

Ducey said Wednesday the flags would remain at half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

Authorities responded to the fatal crash around 12:20 a.m. on State Route 86 near Sells, which is 60 miles southwest of Tucson.

Both Cox and the other driver involved in the accident were pronounced dead a short time after the collision, authorities said.

Arizona is devastated by the loss of Border Patrol Agent Daniel Cox. He dedicated more than 20 years to protecting our nation, and his service has helped create a safer environment for our border communities and all Arizonans. 1/ https://t.co/NFBdlf8gXF

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 4, 2021

“Arizona is devastated by the loss of Border Patrol Agent Daniel Cox,” Ducey said in a press release. “He dedicated more than 20 years to protecting our nation, and his service has helped create a safer environment for our border communities and all Arizonans.

“My prayers are with Agent Cox’s loved ones and Southern Arizona’s law enforcement community at this difficult time. I’ve ordered state flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of his life, service and bravery.”

Cox began his time with the border patrol at the Eagle Pass Station in the Del Rio sector as part of the 346th session of the Border Patrol Academy in July of 1997, according to a memorial on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

He was assigned to the BORSTAR unit in Tucson sector as a canine handler and canine instructor.

Cox honorably served his country in the U.S. Army prior to becoming a Border Patrol agent and was honorably discharged in 1998, according to the memorial.