News Release

Missing Man and Child Located

Date: February 15, 2022
Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS – After missing for over two weeks, Hector Flores Jr., and his 9-year old daughter have been successfully located alive and well in the Mexican state of Coahuila adjacent to Big Bend National Park.

On Sunday, February 13th, the National Park Service (NPS) was notified by residents of a remote Mexican community across the Rio Grande that a man and young girl fitting their description were in the area and seeking to purchase food. Mexico State Police were able to reach the area and confirm their identities Monday afternoon. Both are reported to be in healthy condition.  

The two were detained by Mexican authorities, and will be returned to the United States to reunite with family members today.  

Big Bend National Park rangers would like to thank all who participated in this search, and the public for their concern and assistance in helping spread the request for information. Searchers from the NPS, FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fort Stockton Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, residents of Boquillas, Mexican officials and Mexican State Police have been searching for the two individuals since February 5th, when Flores’ vehicle was found abandoned along the remote Old Ore Road in Big Bend National Park.

An investigation into this incident is still underway. No additional information is available at this time.