LEXINGTON, Va. (WRIC) — One of five Marines involved in the deadly helicopter crash in San Diego, California went to Virginia Military Institute (VMI), according to the institute’s Superintendent.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Feb. 9, VMI’s Superintendent confirmed 26-year-old Captain Jack Casey, who tragically passed in the Feb. 7 helicopter crash in San Diego during a training flight, had attended VMI in 2019.
On Thursday, Feb. 8, the military confirmed that all five marines were killed when their helicopter went down due to stormy weather.
According to the Superintendent, Casey, who is from Dover, New Hampshire, was a physics major at VMI and a Company I commander for the 2018-2019 academic year. He was then promoted to the rank of captain on Sept. 1, 2023.
Captain Eli Facemire, VMI associate chaplain and class president of the VMI Class of 2019, said Casey’s charisma and humility shined through everything he did and his infectious, fun-loving attitude made him a joy to be around.
“It is difficult to find the words in the wake of such a jarring loss,” Facemire said. “Jack was absolutely loved by our class, and all our brother rats knew that Jack loved them.”
Facemire also said Casey made a positive impact on everyone and his brother VMI rats will cherish their memories of him forever.
According to the institute, additional details about memorial services or gifts will be provided when they are available.
