Border Patrol Identifies Agent Killed in Crash
A Border Patrol agent whose sport-utility vehicle plunged off a dirt road down an embankment, killing him and three of his seven passengers, was in a remote area known for its treacherous terrain and for the thieves who prey on illegal immigrants there.
Border Patrol officials Sunday identified the agent who died as Stephen M. Sullivan, 27, a San Diego native who joined the agency less than two years ago.
Information about the three others who died in the crash, who authorities believe were Mexican nationals trying to enter the United States illegally, was not released pending notification of their families.
Sullivan was driving a Ford Bronco early Saturday morning on a narrow, fog-shrouded dirt trail when he lost control of the vehicle and it rolled 1,200 feet to heavy brush below, officials said. It was not immediately disclosed where he was headed or where he picked up the passengers.
“This is one of the most rural and rugged areas we have in San Diego County,” Border Patrol spokesman Mario Villareal said.
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