AUSTIN – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agent Anthony Carlos “AC” Salas, 37, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, after being injured in a tragic accident near Eagle Pass on Jan. 21.
Salas was conducting tactical operations in Maverick County as part of a DPS Special Operations Group. He worked with the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) for Operation Lone Star when he was involved in a crash around 7:30 pm. Paramedics took Salas to Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center in Eagle Pass before they airlifted him to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he passed.
“There are no words to adequately express how devastating this loss is,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Special Agent Salas was a tremendous part of this department and showed incredible bravery and sacrifice in protecting this state. We ask that you take a moment to honor his life and keep the Salas family, his friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Salas was a loving husband to his wife, Lizzett, and a devoted father to their three children, Alessandra, 14; Isabella, 11; and Luke, 7. Salas loved the Pittsburgh Steelers, DC and Marvel, Wu-Tang Clan, and trying new restaurants. Above all else, though, he was a family man.
Salas joined DPS in July 2013, initially stationed in McKinney. In 2015, he transferred to El Paso, and in 2019, they promoted Salas to Criminal Investigations Division special agent. Salas was also a DPS West Texas Special Response Team member and routinely participated in special operations. He was a man dedicated to service. Before joining DPS, Sales served in the United States Marine Corps for almost nine years, earning the rank of sergeant. He remained a proud Marine.
Salas is the 224th DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823.
You may send flowers to Crestview Funeral Home in El Paso, and you can donate to the Salas family on their GoFundMe account.