In 1829 he returned to Buenos Aires, and was soon drawn into the civil wars between the Unitarian Party and the Federalists.

He died in battle at Chañaral de las Ánimas against Facundo Quiroga's forces on March 10, 1831.

Rather than surrender his sword to Quiroga's subordinate and not to the general in person, he broke it in half before being shot and killed.

Today, the main square of the provincial capital of San Luis bears the name Plaza Pringles in his honor, and also features an equestrian statue of him.

The partido and city of Coronel Pringles in Buenos Aires Province are named after Pringles, as are several streets in Buenos Aires, San Luis, Quilmes, and other cities.