New York State Trooper, female National Guard pilot identified as two of the three victims killed in Texas helicopter crash at southern border

A New York state trooper who was killed in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border on Friday afternoon has been identified as 30-year-old John M. Grassia, III.

Grassia had joined the New York State Police in April 2022 and was with Troop G, serving with the National Guard in Texas when the chopper went down alongside a New York National Guard soldier and a border patrol agent.

'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 New York State Troopers PBA union said in a statement.

Grassia was killed alongside New York National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski who was also identified as the second of three crash victims, the Mayor of her home town of Rensselaer, New York, Mike Stammel said.

New York state trooper John M. Grassia III, 30, who served in NYSP's Troop G, was killed in a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border on Friday

Casey Frankoski, a New York National Guard helicopter pilot, also lost her life in the crash

Three people have died after a National Guard helicopter crashed in Texas on Friday afternoon

Authorities are seen on the scene of Friday afternoon's helicopter crash in Texas

The Mayor of Rensselaer, New York, Mike Stammel released a statement 

The New York State Troopers PBA also released a statement regarding Grassia's death

“Rensselaer is deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Casey Frankoski, a remarkable New York National Guard helicopter pilot who tragically lost her life in a helicopter crash on Friday while patrolling the US-Mexico border,'  the Mayor said in a posting on Facebook. 

'Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frankoski family as we collectively mourn the loss of a beloved city native and dedicated patriot.

'Casey comes from a family deeply rooted in public service, and her legacy as an American hero resonates throughout our community.'

Frankoski was the daughter of the city's former police chief and the town's flags have been put at half-mast as a mark of respect. 

County Executive Steve McLaughlin extended condolences to Grassia's family while noting how the National Guardswoman 'represents the best of our nation.'

Rensselaer High School graduate Jacob Pratt, another National Guard soldier, was also injured in the crash and is fighting for his life The Times Union reported.

30-year-old John M. Grassia III is seen in a photo from his Facebook page

Grassia is seen in his Army uniform

Grassia is seen alongside his proud parents

Casey Frankoski is pictured alongside the city's former police chief Jim Frankoski

Casey Frankoski is seen alongside her proud parents Jill and Jim Frankoski

Proud mom and dad Jill and Jim Frankoski are seen together with their daughter Casey

The crash took place on Friday afternoon, near Rio Grande City approximately two miles east of La Grulla

The helicopter can be seen lying in ruins after it came down in fields close to the border 

Two soldiers and one border patrol agent were killed in the crash with a third soldier injured

The helicopter was New York National Guard Lakota chopper 

A Custom & Border Patrol agent who was killed has not yet been named.

The cause of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter crash remains under investigation.

The chopper had been on federal orders working with Border Patrol and assigned to assist with the border crisis in Texas and came down at about 2:50pm close to Rio Grand City, Texas along the Mexican border, officials said.