Two New York State National Guard Soldiers killed in Texas helicopter crash

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Two New York Army National Guard Soldiers were killed in a helicopter crash near Rio Grande City in Texas on Friday afternoon.

The helicopter crashed while flying over the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas. Two New York Army National Guard soldiers and a Border Patrol agent were killed in the crash, and another soldier was injured according to the military.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, of Rensselaer, New York, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia of Schenectady, New York, were killed in the crash. Frankoski was 28 years old and Grassia was 30.

Frankoski had served the National Guard since 2016, and Grassia since 2012.

Both were said to have been dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of New York State and the U.S. Funeral arrangements are pending.

“We are all shocked and devastated by the loss of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Grassia and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Frankoski, while serving along the U.S. Border in Texas,” Major General Ray Shields said. “We are praying for the quick recovery of the crew chief who was injured in the crash. Our deepest condolences also go out to the family and friends of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent who was also killed.”

The name of the injured soldier is not being released dur to privacy regulations.

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