- John M. Grassia III, 30, has been identified as one of three victims of a Texas helicopter crash that crashed near the town of La Grulla on Friday.
- Grassia died alongside New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, who was also identified as the second of three victims of the crash.
- A third victim, a CBP agent, also died in the crash and a soldier was also injured.
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A New York state trooper who died in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border on Friday afternoon has been identified as 30-year-old John M. Grassia III.
Grassia had joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was with Troop G, serving in the National Guard in Texas when the helicopter crashed alongside a New York National Guard soldier and a police officer. border Patrol.
“Trooper Grassia, who dedicated himself to serving and protecting not only the citizens of New York State but also citizens across the United States, will be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice,” the PBA union of New York state police officers said. New York in a statement.
Grassia died along with New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, who was also identified as the second of three victims of the crash, said the mayor of his hometown of Rensselaer, New York, Mike Stammel.
New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III, 30, who served in NYSP Troop G, died in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border on Friday.
Casey Frankoski, a New York National Guard helicopter pilot, also lost his life in the crash.
Three people died after a National Guard helicopter crashed in Texas on Friday afternoon.
Authorities are seen at the scene of Friday afternoon’s helicopter crash in Texas.
Rensselaer, New York Mayor Mike Stammel issued a statement.
The New York State Police PBA also issued a statement regarding Grassia’s death.
“Rensselaer is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Casey Frankoski, a prominent New York National Guard helicopter pilot who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash Friday while patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border,” he said. the mayor in a post on Facebook.
‘Our deepest condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved hometown 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.”
Frankoski was the daughter of the city’s former police chief and the city’s flags have been flown at half-staff as a sign of respect.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin expressed his condolences to Grassia’s family and noted how the National Guard “represents the best of our nation.”
Jacob Pratt, a Rensselaer High School graduate and another National Guard soldier, was also injured in the crash and is fighting for his life. The Union of times reported.
The accident took place Friday afternoon near the town of Rio Grande, approximately two miles east of La Grulla.
The helicopter can be seen in ruins after falling in fields near the border.
Two soldiers and a border patrol agent were killed in the crash and a third soldier was injured.
The helicopter was a New York National Guard Lakota helicopter.
The name of the Customs and Border Patrol agent who was killed has not yet been identified.
The cause of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter crash remains under investigation.
The helicopter had been working on federal orders with the Border Patrol and assigned to help with the border crisis in Texas and went down around 2:50 p.m. near Rio Grand City, Texas, along the border with Mexico, police said. authorities.