William Buckelew
1954
William Franklin Buckelew.
How He Died
Manner
Accident
Cause
Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened
Pilot William Buckelew and Border Patrol Inspector Donald Kee were killed when their plane crashed into the Rio Grande River three miles east of Rio Grande City, Texas, while assisting ground units in apprehending a group of illegal aliens at about 4:30 pm. The Piper Super Cub was banking to return to a field when it suddenly plunged into a river. Inspector Kee was killed on impact and Pilot Buckelew succumbed to his injuries en route to a hospital. Pilot Buckelew had served with the United States Border Patrol for 9-1/2 years and had previously served with the United States Army Field Artillery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and is buried in the Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Service Record
Also Served
United States Department of Justice - Immigration and Naturalization Service - United States Border Patrol
Pilot
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmpf1czhwjgpkn6cbb7y
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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