Valley Border Patrol agents honored for 4th of July shark attack rescue efforts

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Two U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley are being honored for their heroic efforts in saving the life of a north Texas woman who was attacked by a shark at South Padre Island.

Border Patrol Agents Jesse Villarreal and Jose Briseno received the CBP Life-Saving Award during a graduation ceremony in El Paso for saving the life of Tabatha Sullivent.

The two agents were off duty at the time of the attack and acted quickly to help rescue Sullivent.

Sullivent, a resident of Celina, Texas, is one of four people who was attacked by a shark on the 4th of July.

The shark bit off the majority of Sullivent’s left calf, leaving her in recovery.

Sullivent made a statement regarding her recovery on August 3 on Facebook :

As of today Aug 3, 2024 I’ve been in the hospital and rehab for 30 days. I was figuring it out I was taken by ambulance to Brownsville, then by helicopter to Edinburg on July 4, 2024.

I was in the hospital for 26 days till July 30th. During that time I had 6 visits to the ER and Operating Room.

I’ve had 12 hyperbaric chamber visits as of today and 3 dressing changes not under anesthesia. Each one is getting easier and the wound care team does them. They are gentle, kind and make sure I’m comfortable.

Have I looked at my leg since the graph, no. I am waiting for it to heal more. I’m just not ready.

July 30th in the evening I was transferred to rehab. I started moving my ankle yesterday. That’s one step forward to walking.

Happy Saturday and let’s get this day done and work hard!

Tabitha Sullivent

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BorderReport.