Eric Cespedes

Supervisory United States Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes lost his life on July 11, 2025, while vacationing with his family at South Padre Island, Texas, when he raced into the water to rescue his children who had been caught in a strong rip current. This was the final act of a hero. He saved his family but, sadly, lost his own life. Cespedes was 37 years old and had served in the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector for 17 years.

Cespedes was raised surrounded by family with love and the kind of lessons that don’t have to be spoken – only lived. His parents, Antonio and Yolanda, and his siblings, Ramiro, Antonio, Erika, and Oscar all worked hard and respected each other. Even though he was the youngest, he understood the pride, the loyalty, the values and the responsibility of his loving family. His childhood days consisted of running around, laughter, family gatherings, long conversations, shared meals, music and memories. This shaped Cespedes into the man he would become. 

Cespedes always dreamed of being part of the law enforcement community. Following the footsteps of his brothers, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol and served with pride, leadership and loyalty for 17 years. He worked harder than most, stayed longer and cared deeper. Cespedes never walked past a problem. His laugh filled the room and never faded. He was promoted to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent in January of 2023. He received the Border Patrol Meritorious Award for Program Development in February of 2025.

Cespedes met his loving wife, Sandra, at her sister’s 15th birthday celebration, when Sandra was 14 and he was 15. A few years later, after spending time together, they knew they were always meant to be together. They married in 2014 and went on to have three children together, Eric, Anali and Adrian. He was the kind of husband and father who made every ordinary day feel extraordinary. His legacy will be measured in the quiet ways he showed love, responsibility, and sacrifice. He protected his family and his community, always present, always putting his family first. You could trust him with your life. His final act of heroism told the story of who he truly was.

Supervisory United States Border Patrol Agent Eric Cespedes is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Cespedes Alegria, his children Eric, Anali, and Adrian, his mother, Yolanda, his siblings Ramiro, Antonio, Erika and Oscar, and many loving and cherished family members.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided the Cespedes family with a mortgage-free home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.