The three people killed in a U.S. military helicopter crash along the Texas-Mexico border have been identified as two New York National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent.
New York State Trooper John M. Gracia III and New York National Guard helicopter pilot Casey Frankowski had already been identified as among the dead by local authorities on Saturday, but Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday , identified Border as the third person killed in Friday’s crash. Patrol Agent Chris Luna.
“We are devastated by the tragic death of Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, a heroic public servant who lost his life in a helicopter crash while on border patrol duty in Texas on Friday. Two National Guard members also died. , one National Guard member was critically injured,” Mayorkas said. “Our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep the rest of us safe and secure. My thoughts and our department’s deepest condolences are with them. Our thoughts are with Agent Luna’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. “Our thoughts are with the National Guard members who lost their lives. We wish the injured service members a speedy recovery, and our thoughts also go out to their National Guard colleagues and their families. I keep it at that.”
Gracia, 30, died Friday in a helicopter crash while flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas, where he was serving in the National Guard, the New York State Police Benevolent Association said in a Facebook post Saturday. He announced that he was sending his thoughts and prayers to Gracia. family, friends, colleagues.
Mexican cartel members laugh after National Guard helicopter crash kills 3 people
“Officer Gracia’s dedication to serving and protecting not only the people of New York State but all Americans will be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice,” the post said. “Officer Gracia joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was most recently assigned to Troop G. Funeral arrangements are pending.”
Frankoski “tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash while patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border” on Friday, said Mayor Rensselaer, New York, located across the Hudson River from the state capital Albany.
New York State Trooper John M. Gracia III and New York National Guard pilot Casey Frankoski were among three people killed in a U.S. military helicopter crash near the Mexican border. (New York State Police Benevolent Association/Troy Police Department)
“A proud Rensselaer and cum laude graduate of Columbia High School, Casey is not only an excellent student, he also excelled in sports and community service before joining the New York National Guard,” said Mayor Michael Stammell. I wrote. “Casey comes from a family with deep roots in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community. Casey’s father is former Rensselaer Police Chief James Frankoski, and our He is a member of the Rensselaer family. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Francoski family. “We all mourn the loss of a dedicated patriot from our beloved city. To all the victims and their families. Please pray for me.”
Rensselaer will lower its flag in Frankowski’s honor, the mayor said.
“On Friday, we mourn the loss of Army National Guard helicopter pilots Casey Frankoski and John Gracia Jr., who tragically lost their lives when their helicopter crashed over the Texas-Mexico border during an operation,” the Troy Police Department said in a statement. Our hearts are heavy.” A man in New York also wrote in a Facebook post:
A National Guard helicopter seen after crashing in La Grulla, Texas, on Friday. (Fox News)
“On behalf of the Troy Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Casey Frankowski and John Gracia Jr. during this difficult time. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. .Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic event. ”
A UH-72 Lakota helicopter assigned to the Commonwealth’s Southwest Border Support mission crashed Friday afternoon while conducting an air operation near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to a statement released by the Northern Joint Task Force. The cause was under investigation.
Multiple deaths reported after National Guard helicopter crashes near Texas’ southern border
Chief Starr County Judge Eloy Vera said the boat contained one woman and three men. The injured person was said to be in critical condition.
In a post to
Authorities at the scene of a National Guard helicopter crash in La Grulla, Texas. (Fox News)
“We mourn this heartbreaking loss,” Hokansson’s post read. “They are an indescribable and tragic loss. All of these people represented selfless service and the best of America.”
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The accident scene is in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The Starr County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook Friday that it is assisting with a “helicopter crash” on the east side of the county. Vela said the scene has been secured by the sheriff’s office and federal agents are on their way.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
