The identities of two of three people who died in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border on Friday have been released, NBC News reports.
Authorities say John M. Grassia III and Casey Frankoski were in the UH-72 Lakota chopper when it crashed near Rio Grand City, Texas, around 2:50 p.m.
Grassia was a National Guard soldier and also worked as a New York state trooper, according to the New York State Troopers PBA.
“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 organization said in a Facebook post.
Frankoski, a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York, was the daughter of the former police chief of Rensselaer.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot,” Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel wrote in a social media post.
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent also was killed in the crash; that person has not been identified publicly.
National Guard soldier Jacob Pratt survived the incident, according to The Times Union. He graduated from Rensselaer High School.
The helicopter had been in the air and conducting security operations at the southern border when it went down, according to The Associated Press.
“We mourn these heartbreaking deaths,” Gen. Daniel Hokanson, head of the National Guard Bureau, posted to X. “They are a tragic loss beyond words. All of these people represent selfless service & the best of America.”
The crash is under investigation.
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[Feature Photo: Casey Frankoski and John M. Grassia III/Facebook]
