Tributes continue for Captain Jennifer Casey one year later

One year ago today, the Quinte region joined the rest of the country with mourning the sudden death of Captain Jennifer Casey.

The Snowbirds public relations officer was travelling with pilot Captain Richard MacDougall, when their plane hit some birds shortly after take off and crashed into a subdivision.

Investigators noted as apart of a report in March, that MacDougall tried to turn back to the airport, but the plane entered an “aerodynamic stall” and he gave the order to abandon the aircraft. However, by that time they were “outside safe ejection seat operation parameters.”

Before joining the military, Casey spent some time in the Quinte region working as a reporter.

The Snowbirds have issued a statement today thanking everyone for their support over the last year. This year the team will fly again under Operation Inspiration as they attend air shows and conduct flybys across Canada and the States.

“Jenn Casey embodied the very best of what it means to be a Snowbird. Enthusiastic, warm, witty, a true team player, a leader and an innovative powerhouse. The trust that we had in her to connect with the public was absolute,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Bandet, 413 Air Demonstration Squadron Commander.

One year ago, we suffered a loss that was profoundly felt across Canada, and particularly within the RCAF. Today we send our thoughts to Captain Jenn Casey’s family, colleagues and friends. Her passion to spread joy to others during difficult times will be her legacy. pic.twitter.com/ulkQAO356d

— Royal Canadian Air Force (@RCAF_ARC) May 17, 2021