‘Everyone loved him’: Family remembers Texas National Guard soldier who died trying to save migrants

The family of the Texas National Guard soldier whose body was recovered Monday morning in the Rio Grande asked for prayers Tuesday as they grieve the death of their loved one. Spc. Bishop Evans, 22, went missing Friday after he tried to save two migrants from drowning in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, which is about two hours northwest of Laredo, the Texas Military Department said. He had been assigned to Operation Lone Star, a border initiative launched by Gov. Greg Abbott last year. Evans’ family spoke to media on Monday in front of their Arlington home. Many had tears in their eyes as they remembered him as a positive person who wouldn’t hesitate to help someone in need, WFAA-TV (Channel 8) reported.

“He wouldn’t ask you who you were before he tried to help you. He just wouldn’t,” said Evans’ grandmother Jo Ann Johnson, who raised him. “It doesn’t matter your nationality, how you look, your color hair. That’s who my baby was.” Evans’ body was recovered after nearly four days of searching by multiple agencies, with efforts including dive teams and airboats. His family said waiting through the search was one of the hardest things to endure. “We can move forward, we can start healing and the family can grieve and then we can move on,” Johnson said. One family member said Evans had wanted to join the military since he was young, and always had a desire to help people. His family also said he loved anime, family game nights and dancing. “I’ll miss that,” Johnson said.