The deceased were assigned to the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361, Marine Aircraft 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. The CH-53E Super Stallion was en route from Creech Air Force Base near Las Vegas to the base in San Diego when it crashed in a remote area of southern California.

Casey, a physics major, came to VMI from Dover, N.H., 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, VMI associate chaplain and VMI Class of 2019 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. His charisma and humility shined through in all he did, and his infectious, fun-loving attitude made him a tremendous joy to simply be around. He made a positive impact on all, and we will cherish our memories of him forever. We, as a class, mourn with his loved ones and those brother rats who knew him best. Times like these are when the ‘brother rat spirit’ that Jack epitomized must be rekindled and embraced.”

VMI Superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins commented that “Captain Casey was doing what he had committed to do when he left the Institute, displaying true leadership, courage and dedication to our country and the Marine Corps. We are heartbroken for this loss, and I extend my condolences to his brother rats, his family and those who served beside him.”