CF Snowbirds identify crew member killed in deadly crash

The Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds have identified the crew member killed in a deadly crash in British Columbia as Capt. Jenn Casey.

Casey, the team’s public affairs officers, was onboard the jet along with pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall when it crashed on Sunday in a residential area of Kamloops, BC.

A Canadian Forces Snowbirds aircraft has crashed in the vicinity of Kamloops, BC. Our priority at this time is determining the status of our personnel and supporting emergency personnel. When appropriate, more information will be made available.

— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 17, 2020

The Snowbirds were scheduled to make a trip from Kamloops to Kelowna as part of Operation Inspiration, aimed at boosting the morale of Canadians struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

MacDougall survived the crash and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Casey joined the Canadian Forces in 2014 and was based out of Trenton, Ont. She previously worked in radio as a reporter, anchor and producer in her hometown of Halifax and Belleville, Ont.

The military has launched an investigation and sent a team to Kamloops to determine the cause of the crash.

The RCAF has suffered another tragic loss of a dedicated member of the RCAF team. We are deeply saddened and grieve alongside Jenn’s family and friends. Our thoughts are also with the loved ones of Captain MacDougall. We hope for a swift recovery from his injuries. – Comd RCAF pic.twitter.com/UZKJa6OT3S

— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 18, 2020