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8 March 2024
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Helicopter carrying National Guardsmen and Border Patrol agent crashes in Texas, killing three, US
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A helicopter flying over the US-Mexico border in Texas crashed Friday, 8 March 2024, killing two National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent, the US Military said. Another soldier on board was injured. The UH-72 Lakota helicopter was assigned to the Federal Government’s border security mission when it went down near Rio Grande City, according to a statement released by Joint Task Force North.
The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations, according to the statement.
The three killed in the crash in a field in Texas near Rio Grande City were: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, 28 and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, 30, both with the New York National Guard and Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, 49.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
New York State Trooper John M Grassia III and New York National Guard helicopter pilot Casey Frankoski were identified as among the deceased by local agencies on Saturday, while Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday identified the third person killed in Friday's crash as Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna.
"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 post said. "Trooper Grassia joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was most recently assigned to Troop G. Funeral arrangements are pending."
Frankoski also "tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash on Friday while patrolling the US-Mexico border," according to the mayor of Rensselaer, New York, located across the Hudson River opposite the state capital of Albany.
"A proud native of Rensselaer and distinguished graduate of Columbia High School, Casey was not only an excellent student but also excelled in sports and community service before joining the New York National Guard," Mayor Michael Stammel wrote. "Casey comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community. Casey's father is retired Rensselaer Police Chief James Frankoski and a part of our Rensselaer family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot. Please keep all of the victims and families in your prayers."
"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 service member's swift recovery and hold our National Guard colleagues and their families in our thoughts as well."
Gen Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, sent his condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the three people killed and prayers for the injured soldier’s speedy recovery. “We mourn these heart-breaking deaths,” Hokanson’s said. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. All of these people represent selfless service and the best of America.”
The site of the crash is in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. The Starr County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook on Friday that it was assisting with a “downed helicopter incident” on the east side of the county.
The border region is heavily patrolled by both state and federal authorities, including routine aerial surveillance.
In January, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter patrolling the state’s border with Mexico lost power and crashed, officials said at the time. The co-pilot suffered a minor hand injury and the helicopter was significantly damaged.
That helicopter was flying as part of Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov Greg Abbott’s nearly $10 billion border mission that has tested the federal government’s authority over immigration.
Sources: Associated Press, Fox News
The crash happened mid-afternoon Friday while the helicopter was conducting aviation operations, according to the statement.
The three killed in the crash in a field in Texas near Rio Grande City were: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, 28 and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, 30, both with the New York National Guard and Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, 49.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
New York State Trooper John M Grassia III and New York National Guard helicopter pilot Casey Frankoski were identified as among the deceased by local agencies on Saturday, while Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday identified the third person killed in Friday's crash as Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna.
"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 post said. "Trooper Grassia joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was most recently assigned to Troop G. Funeral arrangements are pending."
Frankoski also "tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash on Friday while patrolling the US-Mexico border," according to the mayor of Rensselaer, New York, located across the Hudson River opposite the state capital of Albany.
"A proud native of Rensselaer and distinguished graduate of Columbia High School, Casey was not only an excellent student but also excelled in sports and community service before joining the New York National Guard," Mayor Michael Stammel wrote. "Casey comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community. Casey's father is retired Rensselaer Police Chief James Frankoski and a part of our Rensselaer family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot. Please keep all of the victims and families in your prayers."
"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 service member's swift recovery and hold our National Guard colleagues and their families in our thoughts as well."
Gen Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, sent his condolences to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues of the three people killed and prayers for the injured soldier’s speedy recovery. “We mourn these heart-breaking deaths,” Hokanson’s said. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. All of these people represent selfless service and the best of America.”
The site of the crash is in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley. The Starr County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook on Friday that it was assisting with a “downed helicopter incident” on the east side of the county.
The border region is heavily patrolled by both state and federal authorities, including routine aerial surveillance.
In January, a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter patrolling the state’s border with Mexico lost power and crashed, officials said at the time. The co-pilot suffered a minor hand injury and the helicopter was significantly damaged.
That helicopter was flying as part of Operation Lone Star, Texas Gov Greg Abbott’s nearly $10 billion border mission that has tested the federal government’s authority over immigration.
Sources: Associated Press, Fox News
