By AYLEEN CANIZALES
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Former Cameron County Judge and Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, 71, was pronounced dead Wednesday night, Jun. 26, 2024 after suffering what is believed to be a health event while driving on South Padre Island. Justice of the Peace Linda Salazar pronounced Cascos dead at 9:15 p.m. at Valley Regional Hospital in Brownsville.
On Jun. 27, at 10:47 a.m., the manager of Valley Regional Hospital told Salazar that South Padre Island EMS found Cascos unresponsive after colliding into a parked car on South Padre Island. The location of where the crash occurred has not yet been disclosed. According to Salazar, the hospital told her that the cause of death was cardiac arrest and that Cascos had a history of heart disease. Salazar has already ordered and signed for an autopsy.
Cascos, an active figure in politics, served as a Cameron County commissioner and judge, on the Texas Department of Public Safety Commission and was Texas Secretary of State from 2015-2017.
Pedro Cardenas, Brownsville City Commissioner, posted a statement on Facebook regarding Cascos death.
“I am saddened by the news of Judge Carlos Cascos’ passing. He was a powerful advocate for the City of Brownsville and all of Cameron County, always ready to listen and offer me advice without hesitation. My prayers are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” stated Cardenas.
Numerous commenters of the post expressed their condolences for his family and friends. Commenter Gustavo Deleon, Field Supervisor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, stated, “Our condolences to Secretary Cascos’ family during these difficult times and days to come. This is a tremendous loss to the community of Brownsville and State of Texas. Secretary Cascos was a mentor for lots of people around the State. Secretary Cascos is an honorable man and will be dearly missed.”
A statement from Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez regarding the death was issued, noting, “I am shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of my dear friend Carlos Cascos. As a former Cameron County Judge, a former Cameron County Commissioner and a former Texas Secretary of State, Carlos embodied public service and served faithfully not only the people of Cameron County, but the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas as well. Hidalgo County sends its prayers to Carlos’s family.”