WESLACO, Texas — The Weslaco community is mourning the deaths of two members of its fire department, Julia Divine Rocha, 21, and Lieutenant Juan “Johnny” Peña, 43, who died on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in an incident that occurred while they were off duty.

Their deaths have brought sorrow to their families, friends, colleagues, and fellow first responders across the Rio Grande Valley. Both firefighters served the Weslaco community, and their loss has prompted tributes from the fire department, local officials, and other emergency service organizations.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The incident remains under investigation, and the available information does not establish how either firefighter died.

What Happened to Julia Rocha and Johnny Peña?

The Weslaco Police Department confirmed that two firefighters died in an off-duty incident on October 28. Officials said the deaths were connected to law enforcement activity in the 2500 block of Nellie Street in Weslaco.

During a news conference, Mayor Adrian Gonzalez described the deaths as a heartbreaking loss for the city and asked residents to support the affected families and fire department.

The Weslaco Firefighters Association subsequently identified the two firefighters as Johnny Peña, 43, and Julia Rocha, 21. The association expressed grief over the deaths and paid tribute to both colleagues.

Police and city officials have not released further details about the incident, citing the ongoing investigation and the families’ privacy. No cause or manner of death should be assumed until authorities provide confirmed information.

Remembering Julia Divine Rocha

Julia Divine Rocha was born on April 1, 2005, and dedicated herself to serving her community as a firefighter. Her obituary describes a young woman whose kindness, warmth, and commitment to helping others left a meaningful impression on her family and friends.

Julia made history as the first female firefighter in the Weslaco Fire Department. Before joining Weslaco, she served for approximately one year with the Pharr Fire Department and later continued her work at Weslaco Fire Department Station 2.

In a February 2026 interview with KRGV, Julia spoke about the challenges of completing firefighter training and the determination that helped her succeed. She described feeling proud of becoming the department’s first woman firefighter and spoke appreciatively about the aunt who had helped raise her.

Her family remembers her as a loving daughter and granddaughter. Those named in her obituary include her mother, Flor Villalobos; grandmother, Flora Villalobos; and siblings Joshua Frias, Joseph Rocha, Cathrine Frias, and Angel Frias.

At 21, Julia had already made a significant contribution to public service. Her courage and commitment to protecting others will remain an important part of how she is remembered.

Remembering Lieutenant Juan “Johnny” Peña

Juan “Johnny” Peña, 43, was a longtime member of the Weslaco Fire Department. According to his published obituary, he was born in Weslaco on July 21, 1983, and dedicated 19 years to serving the city as a firefighter.

His obituary describes firefighting as more than a profession: it was a calling that reflected his commitment to helping and protecting others. Over the years, he developed close relationships with fellow firefighters, who became an important part of his life.

Johnny also worked as a registered nurse at Valley Baptist Micro Hospital in Weslaco, extending his commitment to caring for others beyond his fire service.

His family remembered him as a devoted father whose daughters, Karen Castillo, Jillian Fay Peña, and Liana May Peña, were central to his life. He is also survived by his parents, Juan Peña Sr. and Hilda Leal; his brother, John David Peña; and other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

The obituary describes Johnny as a caring person whose smile, generosity, and willingness to help others made a lasting impression. His service as both a firefighter and healthcare professional formed an important part of his legacy.

Tributes From the Weslaco Community

Following the announcement, the Weslaco Firefighters Association expressed its sorrow and remembered Rocha and Peña as two people who answered the call to serve their city.

Mayor Adrian Gonzalez also offered condolences, saying the city would stand with the fire department and help ensure its members were not left to face the tragedy alone.

Fire departments across the Rio Grande Valley have rallied around Weslaco’s first responders. KRGV reported that neighboring departments, including McAllen and Donna, helped respond to calls while Weslaco firefighters mourned their colleagues.

The response reflects the close bonds shared by emergency service workers, whose professional relationships often extend beyond the demands of the job.

Funeral Arrangements for Johnny Peña

According to the published funeral notice, visitation for Lieutenant Johnny Peña is scheduled for Friday, October 30, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco, Chapel of the Angels. A Holy Rosary is scheduled for 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. at Highland Memorial Park.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco.

Funeral Arrangements for Julia Divine Rocha

According to Julia’s published obituary, visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lord & I Funeral Homes, 1005 East Expressway 83, Peñitas, Texas. A Rosary is scheduled for 6 p.m.

A further viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10 a.m. Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Lord & I Cemetery in Peñitas.

Those planning to attend should confirm arrangements directly with the funeral home in case of changes.

A Lasting Legacy of Service

The deaths of Julia Divine Rocha and Lieutenant Johnny Peña have left the Weslaco Fire Department and the wider Rio Grande Valley first-responder community grieving two colleagues who dedicated themselves to helping others.

Julia’s achievement as the department’s first female firefighter and Johnny’s 19 years of service, alongside his work as a registered nurse, reflect two distinct paths of commitment to the community.

As their families, friends, and fellow firefighters prepare to say goodbye, both will be remembered for their service and the relationships they built throughout their lives.

Our condolences go to the families of Julia Rocha and Johnny Peña, their friends, and everyone at the Weslaco Fire Department.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Information about the deaths is based on public statements and published obituary notices. The circumstances and cause of the off-duty incident have not been disclosed by authorities in the reports reviewed. Not all information on this website is accurate, complete, or independently verified. Readers should consult official statements from Weslaco authorities and the families’ funeral-home notices for confirmed updates.