Brian Matthew Faughan, the 41-year-old U.S. Vice Consul in Monterrey, Mexico, died Wednesday, July 9, evening following a rollover crash on the Torreón-Saltillo highway in the state of Coahuila. The diplomat was traveling to Torreón for a scheduled meeting with Coahuila Governor Manolo Jiménez when the accident occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time.
According to Mexican authorities, Faughan was driving his armored Toyota Land Cruiser when he lost control of the vehicle near the Matamoros Landfill. The SUV flipped over on the side of the highway, resulting in severe injuries to the diplomat. Emergency responders from the Red Cross transported Faughan to Matamoros Hospital before he was transferred to Los Ángeles Hospital in Torreón for further treatment.
Medical records revealed that Faughan sustained extensive injuries, including a basal skull fracture, flail chest, tracheal deviation, fractured pelvis, and an open fracture of his right leg. Additional reports indicated he suffered multiple fractures to his skull, right leg, and left hand. Officials determined his injuries were too severe to permit transport to a private hospital facility.
Despite medical efforts to revive him, Faughan was pronounced dead at 7:16 p.m., approximately one hour after the crash occurred. His body was subsequently transferred to the local Forensic Medical Service for an autopsy. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation by Mexican authorities.
The U.S. Consulate in Monterrey confirmed Faughan’s death in an official statement released Thursday. The consulate described the diplomat as a valued member of their team who was dedicated to supporting American interests and strengthening ties between the United States and Mexico. The statement requested respect and privacy for Faughan’s family during their time of grief.
Lorena de la Garza, who serves as President of the State Congress in Nuevo León, expressed her condolences following the tragedy. De la Garza indicated that she deeply regretted Faughan’s passing and extended sympathy to his family, friends, and work team. She emphasized that the diplomat should rest in peace.
Former State Secretary of Public Safety Gerardo Palacios also offered his condolences in a similar message posted on social media. Palacios expressed his deep regret over the death of the American diplomat and wished him peace.
The incident occurred in the state of Coahuila, located in northeastern Mexico. The Torreón-Saltillo highway, where the crash took place, is a major transportation route in the region.
Faughan worked under Consul General Melissa Bishop, who heads the U.S. Consulate in Monterrey. The consulate thanked Mexican authorities for their support in responding to the incident and their assistance during the investigation.
The Attorney General’s Office of the State of Coahuila released an official statement confirming the American diplomat’s death. The statement provided details about the location of the crash near the Matamoros Landfill and the subsequent medical response efforts.
The U.S. Consulate in Monterrey confirmed that Faughan “was a valued member of our team, dedicated to supporting the interests of the American people.” The diplomatic mission emphasized his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Department of State has been contacted for additional comment regarding the incident. The death of the American diplomat represents a significant loss for the U.S. diplomatic community in Mexico and affects ongoing diplomatic operations in the region.
