U.S. Border Patrol Agents Killed by Train Identified
(Gila Bend, Arizona – May 12, 2011)
The two United States Border Patrol agents who gave their lives in the line of duty when their SUV was hit by a Union Pacific train at an unguarded, dangerous railroad crossing have been identified. The two agents – Hector Clark, 39, a native of Yuma, AZ, and Eduardo Rojas Jr., 35, originally from El Paso, TX – each are survived by a wife and two children.
Clark would celebrate 10 years with the USBP in August, while Rojas marked his 11th anniversary with the Border Patrol just last month. Both were assigned to the Yuma Sector, which numbers close to 1,000 agents. The train carried the demolished, unmarked, black SUV a half mile down the tracks before grinding to a stop.
The two agents were positioning themselves to assist other agents in the apprehension of a group of suspected illegal aliens on foot. While public officials expressed their sorrow and grief over the loss of the two agents’ lives, Union Pacific issued a terse statement that its crew had no warning that the SUV would turn in front of the train, and did not elaborate beyond that.
Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to Nathan’s firm. Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.
James Perrin Lubbock, Texas
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Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana
Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.
Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas
Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.
Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado
Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.
Mike Easley Arkansas
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Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri
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Elizabeth Hardy Lake Charles, Louisiana