‘He would die for you.’ Texas National Guardsman Bishop Evans remembered for his compassion Texas Army National Guard Soldier, Specialist Bishop E. Evans, who drowned while rescuing migrants in the Rio Grande Apr. 22, 2022. (Gov. Greg Abbott/Released)
Bishop Evans, a Texas Army National Guard Specialist who died Friday helping two migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande, was the type of person who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, his family said.
Evans, 22, was from Arlington, attended Mansfield High School and was a dedicated member of JROTC.
“From an early age, he knew he wanted to join the military,” one family member said during a press conference on Monday. “Maybe it was because of his desire to help people and make a difference in the world that drove him so hard.”
Members of Evans’ family spoke to reporters on Monday, the same day authorities recovered his body after he was reported missing Friday morning. Family members had gone to the border to help in the search and returned home by Monday.
Evans’ grandmother Jo Ann Johnson said the search for her grandson was hard for the family. After his body was recovered, Johnson said they have some closure.
“Now we can move forward. We can start healing, we can make preparations for his arrangements and the family, we can grieve, we can move on,” Johnson said. “[Evans] wouldn’t want you to stay in the same place, he wouldn’t want you to stay grieving.”
Johnson described Evans as a caring and loving child growing up, who was always compassionate.
While away from home, Evans kept in contact with his family constantly, she said. Two weeks before his death, Johnson said Evans came up to North Texas during his time off and took the family to dinner. At the table, she said Evans got up and told the family how much he loved them and that they made him who he was.
Evans’ grandfather Dannie Johnson said anyone who knew Evans would agree with the sentiments his family shared.
“He would help you in need. He would die for you,” he said. “He did die.”
Johnson thanked everyone who has extended support to the family during this time.
“We thank you for your condolences, we thank you for your heartwarming words, we thank you for your prayers, and please keep those coming,” she said. “Continue to pray for me and my family, continue to uplift us and please continue to love on people the same way [Evans] would.”
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