U.S. Border Patrol agents are being hailed for saving the life of a seriously injured cyclist after he fell “more than 50 feet into the bottom” of a remote canyon in California. 

The dramatic rescue unfolded Saturday after San Diego Sector Border Patrol agents working near Otay Lakes County Park in Chula Vista “heard cries for help originating from a canyon adjacent to the Sweetwater Dam,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced this week. 

“There is no doubt in my mind that these agents saved this man’s life,” Jeffrey Stalnaker, San Diego Sector acting chief patrol agent, said in a statement. “I am truly thankful the agents were in the right place at the right time to make a difference.” 

The agency said the cyclist, who suffered “multiple serious injuries,” was unable to move for hours and called out for help until he was discovered by the responding agents. 

Border Patrol agents rescue a cyclist who fell into a canyon in Chula Vista, California, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. (Customs and Border Protection)

CBP said the cyclist told the agents that he “lost his footing while walking his bike along a trail on the canyon wall, falling more than 50 feet into the bottom of the canyon.” 

“Additional agents, including a Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician, arrived on scene to render assistance and stabilize the injured subject,” CBP added. “The cyclist was airlifted by a San Diego Fire-Rescue helicopter and transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his injuries.” 

CBP agents returned to the scene the next day to recover the cyclist’s bicycle and other personal belongings before returning them to his wife. 

CBP said the cyclist fell more than 50 feet into the bottom of the canyon. (Customs and Border Protection)

“To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance along corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders,” CBP also said.