10 March 2024 , 11:38
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The first pictures have emerged of the three people tragically killed in a US helicopter crash on the Southern border in Texas.
Now identified as serving as national guards, John M. Grassia and Casey Frankoski were among the three killed in the crash, along with a third victim a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent. A fourth National Guard soldier, Rensselaer High School graduate Jacob Pratt, was also injured and is fighting for his life in hospital.
Four people were on board when the Friday afternoon collision in Rio Grande City occurred, according to the authorities. Victor Escalon, the South Texas Regional Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, informed local media that at least four persons had suffered critical injuries.
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Casey Frankoski was described as representing 'the best of the nation' (Facebook)Reporter Ali Bradley of NewsNation reports that one of the dead is believed to be a border patrol agent. According to Escalon, the aircraft was not a part of Operation Lone Star, Texas' border enforcement division that collaborates with the National Guard, but rather "a military helicopter on federal orders working with Border Patrol."
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Mr Grassia was previously part of New York State Police in April 2022 and was with Troop G when the craft went down. “Trooper Grassia, who was dedicated 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.
Mr Grassia was killed alongside New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski who was also identified as the second of three crash victims, the Mayor of her home town of Rensselaer, New York, Mike Stammel said.
Ms Frankoski was the daughter of a former chief of police (@Mike Stammel - Mayor/Facebook)Mr Stammel posted a statement to Facebook regarding Md Frankoski’s death: “Rensselaer is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Casey Frankoski, a remarkable New York National Guard helicopter pilot who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash on Friday while patrolling the US-Mexico border. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot. Casey comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community.”
NY police said Mr Grassia was ''dedicated to serving and protecting'' (Facebook)As Ms Frankoski is the daughter of Rensselear’s former chief of police, the town put their flags at half-mast in a mark of respect. Tributes were also paid to Mr Grassia by County Executive Steve McLaughlin who offered hiscondolences to the man’s family adding that Ms Frankoski 'represents the best of our nation.'
On Friday The Starr County Sheriff's Office reported that they were "assisting with a downed helicopter incident on the East side of the county, possibly involving four occupants.”
The collision happened close to Old Military Road, about two miles east of La Grulla, and the Texas Department of Public Safety acknowledged that it is supporting federal agencies with the investigation.