Pilot William Franklin Buckelew

William Franklin Buckelew

Pilot William Buckelew and Border Patrol Inspector Donald Kee were killed when their plane crashed into the Rio Grande River three miles east of Rio Grande City, Texas, while assisting ground units in apprehending a group of illegal aliens at about 4:30 pm.

The Piper Super Cub was banking to return to a field when it suddenly plunged into a river. Inspector Kee was killed on impact and Pilot Buckelew succumbed to his injuries en route to a hospital.

Pilot Buckelew had served with the United States Border Patrol for 9-1/2 years and had previously served with the United States Army Field Artillery. He was survived by his wife and is buried in the Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.