New York State Trooper, female National Guard pilot identified as two of the three victims killed in Texas helicopter crash at southern border
- John M. Grassia III, 30, has been identified as one of three victims of a Texas helicopter crash that crashed Friday near the town of La Grulla
- Grassia was killed along with New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, who was also identified as the second of three crash victims
- A third victim, a CBP officer, was also killed in the crash, which also injured a soldier
A New York state trooper killed Friday afternoon in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border has been identified as 30-year-old John M. Grassia III.
Grassia had joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was serving with Troop G, which was serving in the National Guard in Texas when the helicopter crashed next to a New York National Guard soldier and a Border Patrol agent.
“Trooper Grassia, who was committed to serving and protecting not only the citizens of New York State but also the citizens of the entire United States, will be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice,” the New York State Troopers PBA union said in a statement. a statement.
Grassia was killed alongside New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, who was also identified as the second of three crash victims, said the mayor of her hometown of Rensselaer, New York, Mike Stammel.
New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III, 30, who served in Troop G of the NYSP, was killed Friday in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border
Casey Frankoski, a New York National Guard helicopter pilot, also died in the crash
Three people were killed Friday afternoon after a National Guard helicopter crashed in Texas
Authorities are seen at the scene of Friday afternoon’s helicopter crash in Texas
Rensselaer, New York Mayor Mike Stammel released a statement
The New York State Troopers PBA also released a statement on Grassia’s death
“Rensselaer is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Casey Frankoski, a remarkable New York National Guard helicopter pilot who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on Friday while patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border,” the statement said. mayor in a message on Facebook.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city resident and dedicated patriot.
“Casey comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community.”
Frankoski was the daughter of the city’s former police chief, and the city’s flags have been flown at half-mast as a sign of respect.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin offered his condolences to Grassia’s family, noting how the National Guard “represents the best of our nation.”
Rensselaer High School graduate Jacob Pratt, another National Guard soldier, was also injured in the crash and is fighting for his life The Times Union reported.
The crash occurred Friday afternoon near Rio Grande City, about two miles east of La Grulla
The helicopter is in ruins after it crashed in fields close to the border
Two soldiers and a border police officer were killed in the crash, which injured a third soldier
The helicopter was a New York National Guard Lakota helicopter
A Custom and Border Patrol agent who was killed has not yet been named.
The cause of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter crash remains under investigation.
The helicopter had been cooperating with Border Patrol under federal orders and was assigned to assist with the border crisis in Texas and crashed near Rio Grand City, Texas along the Mexican border around 2:50 p.m., officials said.