Agent Richard M. Goldstein drowned in the Coachella canal near Niland, California, east of the Salton Sea. After he went missing, Agent Goldstein's canine partner was found sitting alongside his vehicle, which was parked and idling near the canal. The Customs and Border Protection and California Highway Patrol Air divisions assisted several Border Patrol agents in the search for the missing agent. A short time later he was found drowned a few miles from his vehicle.

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Agent Goldstein's K-9 partner, Carlo, was wet, and markings in the area indicate the dog had been in the water and struggled to get out of the canal. Early reports indicated Agent Goldstein entered the canal in order to rescue his K-9 partner.

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Agent Goldstein was a five-year veteran of the Border Patrol and was assigned to the El Centro Sector's Indio Station. He is survived by his wife, two stepsons, parents, and a granddaughter, who was born the night before his death.