A member of the CF Snowbirds team has died following a crash in Kamloops, British Columbia.
The Snowbirds confirmed the news last night, sending condolences to the family and friends of Captain Jennifer Casey.
Casey, original from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the team’s Public Affairs Officer.
Captain Richard MacDougall, one of the team’s coordinators and pilot of the aircraft, was injured in the crash. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
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
Update: Our previous statement indicated that the surviving member of the crash suffered serious injuries, we can confirm that their injuries are not considered life threatening.
— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 18, 2020
The plane crashed in a neighbourhood within the Brocklehurst area of Kamloops shortly after takeoff from the Kamloops Airport.
Shannon Forrest was watching two of the Snowbirds planes lift off from Kamloops Airport when she saw the incident happen. She spoke with Radio NL—a sister station of VOCM News in Kamloops.
“I saw the one plane continue to go forward and then the plane that crashed, he had veered off to the side and went up higher, and then he started to spin around,” she said.
“And I thought he was doing a trick, and I realized that the plane had died, and it started to spiral downwards, and then I saw the two deployments…”
Pictures shared with Radio NL reporters by unnamed witnesses at the scene.
The smoke cloud photo was sent to me by Catherine, who was one of many witnesses who witnessed the crash shortly before noon today. #Kamloops #Snowbirds pic.twitter.com/wWqJlVsGNe
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) May 17, 2020
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered his condolences to the family of Captain Jennifer Casey, as well as the entire CF Snowbirds team as they grieve the loss.
Trudeau reflected on the Snowbirds demonstration of excellence through Operation Inspiration—a country-wide salute to Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19.
“For the past two weeks, the Snowbirds have been flying across the country to lift up Canadians during these difficult times. Every day, they represent the very best of Canada and demonstrate excellence through incredible skill and dedication. Their flyovers across the country put a smile on the faces of Canadians everywhere and make us proud,” Trudeau said in a statement Sunday night.
The Prime Minister also offered his appreciation to the emergency personnel in Kamloops who responded to the tragic incident.
Tonight, I join all Canadians in mourning the loss of a member of the @CFSnowbirds #OpInspiration team, Captain Jennifer Casey. I’m sending my deepest condolences to her loved ones, and wishing Captain Richard MacDougall a full recovery.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 18, 2020
