Submitted by Rensselaer County
Rensselaer County is mourning the loss of a county resident killed in a helicopter crash in Texas on Friday, March 8th, while serving with the National Guard.
Family members have confirmed the death of Casey Frankoski, a graduate of Columbia High School, who was serving with the National Guard.
The crash in Texas killed two crew members, including Casey and John Grassia, a member of the New York State Police, and a resident of Albany County. Another crew member on the flight was severely injured and is also known to be from Rensselaer County.
“We join with many across our county in mourning the passing of Casey Frankoski. Casey represents the best of our nation, a young woman who volunteered to serve and defend her country and who sadly died while in service to the United States,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“We also extend sincere condolences to the Grassia family and recognize their service. We pray for the recovery of the injured crew member from our county,” McLaughlin continued.
Casey’s family are well known in the county. Her father James served as Rensselaer Police Chief for years before his retirement in recent years.
