National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

Officer Rank: Border Patrol Agent

Memorial Panel: 34-E: 22

Department: U.S. Border Patrol

End of Watch: May 10, 1995

Cause: TRAIN

Age: 38

Years of Service: 9

Description: Agent Magdaleno and Agent Steven Leos were pursuing a group of suspected illegal aliens near the Mexican border in El Paso, Texas. While attempting to cross a railroad track, their patrol vehicle was struck by a train. The patrol vehicle had become stuck in rock slag near the crossing. Both agents were thrown from the vehicle which fell on top of Agent Magdaleno. He was paralyzed from the neck down. He died six years later from the injuries he sustained while in performance of his duties. Agent Magdaleno did not return to work, and required ventilator assistance until his death. Agent Leos's injuries were minor, permitting him to return to work.