Death Benefit Bill Named after Fallen TX National Guardsman Would Not Benefit His Family

Spc. Bishop Evans drowned after jumping into the Rio Grande on the Texas-Mexico border in an effort to save two immigrants.
(US Border Patrol Del Rio Sector)

There is a move afoot to try to make the ‘Bishop Evans Memorial Bill’ retroactive.

Arlington (WBAP/KLIF) – The family of an Army National guardsman from Arlington killed in the line of duty wants a death benefits bill named after him to be made retroactive.

22-year-old Bishop Evans was working Gov Abbott’s Operation Lone Star mission last April when he drowned trying to rescue two migrants from the Rio Grande.

His death inspired new legislation dubbed the ‘Bishop Evan’s Memorial Act. It would ensure that future guard members who die in the line of duty are guaranteed a $500,000 death benefit for survivors.

Evans’ family would not benefit from the bill. Family members and military advocates are asking lawmakers to make the bill retroactive. Over 4000 service members remained deployed on Operation Lone Star.