Deaths among border crossers in Ariz. soar in July

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Deaths among migrants crossing into southern Arizona from Mexico are soaring this month as extreme heat blankets the state, according to a county medical examiner who tracks the fatalities.

The bodies of 38 illegal immigrants have been brought in since July 1, Pima County medical examiner Dr. Bruce Parks said Thursday, with agents headed out to recover four more. If the pace continues it could meet or surpass the single-month record of 68 in July 2005, Parks said.

“I never thought we would see that again,” Parks said. “It’s scary. Maybe the rain will slow these down.”

From Jan. 1 to July 15, the office has handled 132 bodies of illegal border crossers, up from 93 at the same time last year and 102 in 2008.

The Pima County medical center handles border deaths for several southern Arizona counties.