A helicopter crash on Friday killed New York National Guard members John Grassia and Casey Frankoski as well as Border Patrol agent Chris Luna
Two New York National Guard members and a Border Patrol agent have been identified as the three individuals killed in a U.S. military helicopter crash in Texas along the U.S.-Mexico border.
New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III and New York National Guard helicopter pilot Casey Frankoski had already been identified as among the deceased by local agencies on Saturday. Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday identified the third person killed in Friday’s crash as Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna.
“We are devastated by the tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, a heroic public servant who lost his life Friday in a helicopter crash while on a Border Patrol mission in Texas. Two National Guardsmen were also killed, and one National Guardsman was seriously injured,” Mayorkas said. “Every single day, our Border Patrol Agents place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us can be safe and secure. My thoughts, and the deepest condolences of our Department, are with Agent Luna’s family, loved ones, and colleagues, and with those of the National Guardsmen who lost their lives. We hope for the injured servicemember’s swift recovery, and hold our National Guard colleagues and their families in our thoughts as well.”
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Grassia, aged 30, was killed on Friday in a helicopter crash while flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas while serving with the National Guard, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association said in a Facebook post on Saturday, sending thoughts and prayers to Grassia’s family, friends, and coworkers.
The post honoring Trooper Grassia, who dedicated himself to safeguarding not just the people of New York State but all citizens of the United States, highlighted his selfless sacrifice. Trooper Grassia, who joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and served with distinction in Troop G, will forever be remembered for his commitment. Funeral arrangements are currently being arranged to honor his memory.
Additionally, it was revealed that Frankoski tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash while patrolling the US-Mexico border. The mayor of Rensselaer, New York, situated across the Hudson River from Albany, the state capital, shared this heartbreaking news.
Mayor Michael Stammel shared heartfelt condolences for the passing of Casey Frankoski, a cherished member of Rensselaer and a standout graduate of Columbia High School. Not only was Casey an outstanding student, but she also excelled in sports and dedicated herself to serving the community, eventually joining the New York National Guard. With a family deeply rooted in public service, Casey’s legacy as an American hero reverberates profoundly throughout the community.
Casey’s father, retired Rensselaer Police Chief James Frankoski, holds a special place in the Rensselaer family. The mayor extended sympathies to the Frankoski family during this challenging time, recognizing the collective sorrow felt for the loss of a beloved hometown hero and devoted patriot. Mayor Stammel encouraged everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this period of mourning.
In tribute to Casey Frankoski’s memory, Rensselaer would be lowering its flags.
The Troy Police Department in New York expressed profound sadness over the loss of Army National Guard helicopter pilots Casey Frankoski and John Grassia Jr, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash during an operation over the border of Texas and Mexico on Friday.
In a Facebook post, the department conveyed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Casey Frankoski and John Grassia Jr. during this challenging period. The post emphasized that their service and sacrifice would always be remembered. The department also extended thoughts and prayers to all those impacted by this tragic event.
A UH-72 Lakota helicopter, which was part of the federal Southwest border support mission, crashed on Friday afternoon while conducting aviation operations near Rio Grande City, Texas. This information was provided in a statement released by Joint Task Force North. The cause of the crash was being investigated.
Starr County Judge Eloy Vera, the top official of the county, stated that those on board included one woman and three men. He mentioned that one person was critically injured.
Gen. Daniel Hokanson, the head of the National Guard Bureau, expressed his condolences to the families, loved ones, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives. He also offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured soldier.
“We mourn these heartbreaking deaths,” Hokanson’s post expressed. “They represent a tragic loss beyond words, embodying selfless service and the best of America.”
The crash occurred in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The Starr County Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook that it was aiding in a “downed helicopter incident” on the east side of the county. Vera confirmed that the sheriff’s office had secured the scene and that federal officials were en route.