U.S. Border Patrol Agent Dies After Medical Emergency During Water Training in N.Y.

U.S. Border Patrol Agent Sean M. McDonough, a 17‑year agency veteran, began experiencing chest pain before going into cardiac arrest during a marine unit water training exercise in Alexandria Bay.
May 6, 2026

What to know

  • U.S. Border Patrol Agent Sean M. McDonough, 48, died Friday after suffering a medical emergency during marine unit water training in Alexandria Bay.
  • McDonough experienced chest pain before going into cardiac arrest; lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and he later died at a hospital.
  • A Border Patrol agent since 2007 and a U.S. Army veteran, McDonough is remembered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY—A U.S. Border Patrol agent died in the line of duty while participating in water training Friday in Alexandria Bay.

A line of duty announcement from Customs and Border Protection states that Sean M. McDonough, 48, was participating in water training with the marine unit and started to feel chest pain before going into cardiac arrest. Medical teams then attempted CPR on McDonough.

McDonough was taken to a hospital, but on Friday, he “succumbed to a medical emergency,” CBP said in a statement.

In a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said that McDonough began his career in 2007, serving most recently at the Wellesley Island Border Patrol Station. He had also served in the Army, Army National Guard and as a military police officer.

“He is a true hero who selflessly served to protect America,” the post reads.

CBP says more information will be provided when it becomes available.

McDonough lived in Depauville, according to his obituary. He and his wife, Samantha, have two daughters.

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© 2026 Watertown Daily Times (Watertown, N.Y.).

Visit www.watertowndailytimes.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

 

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