The video above was broadcast on Dec. 16, 2024. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction Agent who died in a helicopter crash earlier this week near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego County has been identified. Jeffrey Kanas died in the line of duty Monday, CBP Air and Marine Operations said in a Facebook post Wednesday. Kanas, the solo occupant of the helicopter, was on a border security mission when an aviation mishap occurred on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations Airbus aircraft he was piloting, per CBP. Carlsbad man messaged Wisconsin school shooter, planned his own attack: authorities The crash occurred around 11:20 a.m. in a private field owned by the CBD Farm, Sol Valley Ranch, near Round Potrero Road in the census-designated area of Potrero. Kanas was pronounced dead at the crash scene. Cal Fire said FAA and National Transportation Safety Board officials were contacted to initiate an investigation. This is the second time a helicopter has crashed in San Diego County this year. The first, which was back in February, killed five U.S. Marines, prompting a massive foot search through East County during a heavy downpour of rain and snow.