In the early summer of 2008, a young man named Agustin Vasquez Hernandez, just 19 years old, vanished under harrowing circumstances in the Arizona desert. His last known contact was on June 13, 2008. Originally from Mexico, Agustin had been deported to Nogales and, about a week later, attempted to re-enter the United States near Sasabe, Arizona, a remote area in Pima County known as a perilous crossing point.
He was not alone; he traveled with a 'coyote,' a term for a person who smuggles migrants across the border. This journey, however, would take a devastating turn, leaving his family with unanswered questions and lingering grief.
The account of Agustin's final known moments comes from the coyote who was guiding him. According to this individual, Agustin fell ill during the arduous trek through the unforgiving desert terrain. His physical condition deteriorated to the point where he could no longer continue. Faced with a life-threatening situation, Agustin reportedly made the decision to stay behind, intending to wait for the U.S. Border Patrol to find him. This was the last information his family received about his whereabouts. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as a Hispanic male, 5'2' in height, and weighing approximately 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Distinctive features that might have aided in his identification included a four-inch scar on his left arm below the elbow, a scar under his lip, and a piercing in his left eyebrow. He was also wearing specific jewelry: an earring in his left eyebrow, a gold wedding band inscribed with '8-4-07 Levi,' and a simple silver band. The case was officially reported to the Pima County Medical Examiner's Office on August 5, 2008. The vast and rugged Sonoran Desert of Pima County is a place where many human remains are discovered, often making identification a significant challenge for authorities. The circumstances reported by the coyote are the only narrative available regarding what happened to Agustin after he was left behind, leaving the exact details of his fate unknown.Last Seen: Jun 13, 2008
