Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
EDINBURG, TX – In a profound expression of grief and honor, the community of Edinburg and beyond came together to bid farewell to a fallen hero, Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna, who tragically lost his life on March 8, 2024, while serving his country. At 51, Agent Luna’s dedication to his duty led him to his final assignment in La Grulla, Texas, marking an end to his valiant service with the United States Border Patrol.
Agent Luna leaves behind a legacy of bravery and commitment. He is survived by his loving wife, Esmeralda Luna; his children, Sarah Isabelle Luna and Hayden Christopher Luna; his parents, Victor Manuel (San Juanita) Luna and Josie Lopez; and his brother, Thad Dameris. His passing is a loss not only to his family but also to the nation he served with dedication.
The community paid their respects during the visitation and rosary held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Legacy Chapels in Edinburg. The following day, a funeral mass was celebrated in his honor at the Basilica Of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle – National Shrine in San Juan, a testament to his deep faith and the high esteem in which he was held.
Agent Luna was laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg, accorded full Border Patrol Honors, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the safety and security of others. The ceremony was attended by hundreds, including prominent figures such as United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Chief of the United States Border Patrol Jason Owens, RGV Sector Border Patrol Chief Gloria Chavez, and Agent Luna’s uncle, Rene Luna. Law enforcement agents, family, friends, and residents filled the basilica, uniting in sorrow and respect for Agent Luna.
The tragic helicopter accident occurred near La Grulla on the Texas-Mexico border, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving a fourth person seriously injured. The helicopter, a UH-72 Lakota, was part of a federal Southwest border support mission and was conducting aviation operations when it crashed around 2:50 p.m. local time. The accident claimed the lives of two New York Army National Guard aviators, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, aged 28, from Rensselaer, New York, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, aged 30, from Schenectady, New York.
Additionally, U.S. Border Patrol agent Chris Luna also perished in the crash. Another National Guard member aboard the helicopter was injured and remained hospitalized.
The helicopter was assigned to Joint Task Force North and was not part of Operation Lone Star, a state-directed border enforcement program. It was conducting “monitoring and detection” operations at the time of the accident. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
Officials and the community have expressed grief and condolences for these individuals’ loss, highlighting the risks faced by those working to secure and patrol the border. The Department of Defense, along with federal and local authorities, is likely conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and prevent future incidents. This tragic event stresses the inherent dangers of such operations and the sacrifice of those serving on the front lines of national security.
On March 10, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas released the following statement on the death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna and two National Guardsmen.
“We are devastated by the tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, a heroic public servant who lost his life Friday in a helicopter crash while on a Border Patrol mission in Texas. Two National Guardsmen were also killed, and one National Guardsman was seriously injured.
“Every single day, our Border Patrol Agents place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us can be safe and secure. My thoughts, and the deepest condolences of our Department, are with Agent Luna’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, and with those of the National Guardsmen who lost their lives. We hope for the injured servicemember’s swift recovery and hold our National Guard colleagues and their families in our thoughts as well.”
Christopher Luna’s legacy will live on, not just in the memories of his family and colleagues but in the heart of a grateful nation. Even in the face of danger, his commitment to his duty inspires all who knew him and the generations of Border Patrol agents who will follow in his footsteps. Today, we remember Agent Luna not only for how he died but also for how he lived with courage, honor, and a firm sense of duty to his country.
Condolences and tributes have been widely shared following the tragic death of U.S. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna.
The Officer Down Memorial Page also features heartfelt reflections from colleagues, friends, and community members, who offer prayers and express their sorrow over Agent Luna’s death. Many remember him as a brother and hero, reflect on his dedication and service, and extend their sympathies to his family and fellow officers.
Additionally, the Border Patrol community and others have shown an outpouring of support and condolences, underlining the unity and solidarity among those in uniform. Christopher Luna, known for his hard work and dedication, is mourned by colleagues and the wider community, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley.
Uncle of BP Agent Christopher Luna, Rene Luna. Courtesy Video
Below is a link to the Officer Down Memorial Page Border Patrol Agent Christopher Luna
https://www.odmp.org/officer/reflections/26974-border-patrol-agent-christopher-luna
