New York state trooper among 3 killed in National Guard helicopter crash at southern border

A New York state trooper and another New York soldier have been identified as two of the three people killed in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border.

John M. Grassia III, 30, who served in NYSP’s Troop G, was serving with the National Guard in Texas when the chopper went down on Friday, killing him, a fellow local National Guard soldier and a border patrol agent, The New York State Troopers PBA announced.

“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 union said in a statement.

National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush, New York, was also identified as one of the victims of the crash, according to Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel.

She was the daughter of Rennsselaer’s former police chief.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot,” the Mayor said in a social media post, adding that the town’s flags would be put at half-mast.

A post on Rensselaer County’s official Facebook page also confirmed Frankoski and Grassia had been killed.

County Executive Steve McLaughlin said the National Guardswoman “represents the best of our nation,” and also extended condolences to Grassia’s family. 

Another National Guard soldier who was injured in the crash was identified by Stammel as Rensselaer High School graduate Jacob Pratt, The Times Union reported.

The deceased CBP agent has not been named.

Grassia’s family could not immediately be reached on Saturday night.

A UH-72 Lakota helicopter assigned to assist with the border crisis in Texas crashed at around 2:50 p.m. near Rio Grand City, Texas along the Mexican border, officials said.

The crash involved “a military helicopter on federal orders working with Border Patrol,” Texas Department of Public Safety South Regional Director Victor Escalon said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.