Agent Chris Luna, Casey Frankoski Obituary, Death – U.S. Customs and Border Protection has identified the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in La Grulla, Texas on March 8. Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna, National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia were all involved in the incident.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Agent Luna, highlighting the sacrifices made by Border Patrol Agents to ensure the safety of others. Additionally, one National Guardsman sustained serious injuries in the crash, although their identity has not been disclosed. The four individuals were aboard a UH-72 Lakota helicopter as part of the federal Southwest border support mission when the accident occurred during routine operations along the border.
Agent Luna, stationed at the Rio Grande City Station, is survived by his wife, two children, parents, and brother. Frankoski and Grassia were members of Detachment 2, Company A, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment, supporting Customs and Border Protection operations in the region. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.