HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Two U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Rio Grande Valley are being honored for their heroic efforts in saving the life of a north Texas woman who was attacked by a shark at South Padre Island.
Border Patrol Agents Jesse Villarreal and Jose Briseno received the CBP Life-Saving Award during a graduation ceremony in El Paso for saving the life of Tabatha Sullivent.
Sullivent, a resident of Celina, Texas, is one of four people who was attacked by a shark on the 4th of July.
The shark bit off the majority of Sullivent's left calf, leaving her in recovery.
Sullivent made a statement regarding her recovery on August 3 on Facebook:
As of today Aug 3, 2024 I’ve been in the hospital and rehab for 30 days. I was figuring it out I was taken by ambulance to Brownsville, then by helicopter to Edinburg on July 4, 2024.
I was in the hospital for 26 days till July 30th. During that time I had 6 visits to the ER and Operating Room.
I’ve had 12 hyperbaric chamber visits as of today and 3 dressing changes not under anesthesia. Each one is getting easier and the wound care team does them. They are gentle, kind and make sure I’m comfortable.
Have I looked at my leg since the graph, no. I am waiting for it to heal more. I’m just not ready.
July 30th in the evening I was transferred to rehab. I started moving my ankle yesterday. That’s one step forward to walking.
Happy Saturday and let’s get this day done and work hard!
Tabitha Sullivent