Federal aviation investigators and military officials are looking for the cause of a fatal helicopter crash along the U-S/Mexico border. Three people were killed on Friday, including two New York National Guard members. John Grassia the Third was a New York State Trooper
New York State Police issued the following release:
“It is with deep sadness that Acting Superintendent Steven G. James must inform you of the death of New York State Trooper John M. Grassia III. Trooper Grassia, 30, lost his life on Friday, March 8, 2024, while serving our country as a pilot in the National Guard. Trooper Grassia was on a federal mission with the National Guard when his helicopter crashed near the southern border of Texas.
“Trooper Grassia joined the New York State Police on April 4, 2022. His last assignment was at SP Livingston, Troop K, and just prior to deployment he was transferred to Troop G, SP Fonda.
“Trooper Grassia’s sacrifice and commitment to the service of New Yorkers and all Americans will never be forgotten.
“Trooper Grassia is from Rotterdam.
“Funeral arrangements will follow.”
Frankoski, of Rensselaer, New York, enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in 2016 and she trained to become a UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopter pilot.
A third National Guard soldier was seriously hurt.
The second person killed was Chief Warrant Officer Casey Frankoski. The 28-year-old from Rensselaer enlisted in the National Guard in 2016 and trained to become a UH-60 Black Hawk and UH-72 Lakota helicopter pilot.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued the following statement:
“I am deeply saddened at the passing of two members of the New York National Guard and a member of the New York State Police during a federal deployment along our southern border. There is no greater calling than service to and defense of your country. I join the members of our National Guard and State Police, and the entire State of New York, in mourning this tragic loss. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends of those killed, and I remain incredibly grateful for the many service men and women who put themselves at risk every day to ensure the security of our state and our nation.”
