New Hampshire Marine identified as one of five killed in helicopter crash in California
DOVER, N.H. - One of the five Marines killed in a helicopter crash in California was from New Hampshire, the Corps said in a statement Friday.
Capt. Jack Casey, 26, of Dover, New Hampshire, was part of a group on a training flight in a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter late Tuesday night during a storm. They left from an Air Force Base in Nevada and were heading to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, but never arrived. The helicopter was reported missing early Wednesday morning. The wreckage was found several hours later in the mountainous east of San Diego, near the border with Mexico. There were no survivors.
Casey was one of three CH-53E helicopter pilots on board at the time of the crash, according to the Marines. All five were based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
The Marines said Casey was commissioned in May 2019. He was promoted to Captain in September 2023. They said his decorations included the National Defense Service Medal.
The cause of the crash is still not known.
"We have been confronted with a tragedy that is every service family's worst fear," Lt. Col. Nicholas J. Harvey, commanding officer of squadron, said in a statement Friday.
"Our top priority now is supporting the families of our fallen heroes, and we ask for your respect and understanding as they grieve. The Flying Tigers family stands strong and includes the friends and community who have supported our squadron during this challenging time. We will get through this together."
Dover, New Hampshire Mayor Bob Carrier said Casey's extended family is well-known in the city. "Any veteran or service person who dies in the line of duty is a dark day in the city of Dover. Our hearts are heavy with that," Carrier said.
Casey was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover. "He was a leader. He participated in sports, other extracurricular activities. He gave back and lived a life of service," said Paul Marquis, president of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. "He left his legacy here and he'll do that across the country."
Flags will be flown at half-staff and the Dover community is preparing to honor a native son who made the ultimate sacrifice. "It touches me personally; you never know what will happen when you're doing your duty," Carrier said.
"Capt. Jack Casey gave his life while serving his country," New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said in a statement. "Valerie and I are deeply saddened as we mourn the loss of these five Marines. Capt. Jack Casey's death is a profound loss for his family, his community, New Hampshire, and the country. I have directed all flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff on the day of interment."
