1 of 5 Marines killed in California helicopter crash attended VMI

LEXINGTON, Va. (WWBT) -The superintendent at Virginia Military Institute confirmed Friday that one of the five marines killed in a helicopter crash went to VMI in 2019.

The institute confirmed Capt. Jack Casey ‘19 died on Feb. 7 in a helicopter crash in California during a training flight. They were assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft 16, and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

In a Facebook post, the college says Casey, a physics major, came to VMI from Dover, New Hampshire, and was Company I commander for the 2018-19 academic year.

“It is difficult to find words in the wake of such a jarring loss,” said Capt. Eli Facemire ‘19, VMI associate chaplain and the VMI Class of 2019 class president. “Jack was absolutely loved by our class, and all our brother rats knew that Jack loved them. He bought in fully to his relationships and opportunities, setting an example of friendship and leadership that was looked up to not only by members of the lower classes but also by his brother rats.”

Casey was promoted to the rank of Captain on Sept. 1, 2023.

The military confirmed their helicopter went down during stormy weather late Tuesday night. The craft was discovered Wednesday morning. They are continuing to investigate the crash.