Erik was born in Mexico City on November 18, 1975. He moved to the United States in 1986 and settled in Laredo, Texas.

He loved to run, hike, travel, cook, work on small projects, and food, especially steaks and coffee. He was very friendly and loved to talk to anyone he would encounter. Erik welcomed his daughter, Ilse, in 1997 and his son, Erik Abdiel, in 2007 with his former spouse, Niria. Erik loved his children so much; they were the joy of his life. Ilse remembers how, on one occasion, she accompanied him on a ride along with the fire department. They went to two calls, but what she remembers most was seeing him doing what he loved. Erik also loved spending time together with his son. He would take him hiking and to sports events. On their last trip, they ziplined in the Hill Country in Texas.

In February 1996, Erik joined the Laredo Fire Department, where he served for almost 25 years. He served as a paramedic and worked his way up to EMS captain. Erik served as part of the LFD diving team and AARF as well. In 2015, he received his associate degree in nursing from Laredo College, earning him The Mary Alice Lopez Award. Erik worked as a registered nurse in various departments at local hospitals but enjoyed working in the ICU the most.

A prime example of his love for the job was one specific call he attended. Station 5 responded to a call for an older gentleman who was stung by bees. He had been using his weed eater and unintentionally disturbed a bees’ nest. The man was treated and did not require any additional treatment. While the crew was treating the gentleman, a woman approached another firefighter saying she noticed a firefighter with a dog who was also attacked by bees down the street. This firefighter saw Erik kneeling next to a chubby brown dog that was not breathing well, and it was obvious that he was in distress. Erik decided to give him oxygen, with no success. Instinctively, he grabbed an epinephrine injection and injected the dog. Miraculously, the dog started breathing on his own and stood up. The fire department crew was later told that the dog survived and was doing well. A fellow firefighter and friend said, “This is the kind of man he was, a superhero who cared for everyone and truly cared for others.”

His legacy will forever be alive in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he touched. May his memory forever be a blessing unto all who knew and loved him.