A Snowbird has died...

[Begonia]

Today Canada lost one of our Snowbird pilots after one of the small formation jets crashed in Kamloops. The Snowbirds were flying across Canada doing flyby shows to boost people's spirits and as a show of solidarity. Today Canadians said goodbye to Captain Jennifer Casey. We are heartbroken.

 

[Garnetgirl]

I was just reading the news on CBC, @Begonia. How shocking and sad, especially as the Snowbirds bring joy to so many Canadians.

 

[Begonia]

It's awful. It was called Operation Inspiration, and she was not a pilot but was a Snowbird PR journalist hitching a ride. We're just finding out the details now, but it is thought it may be a bird strike. The whole country was so enjoying their fly bys.
We love our Snowbirds

 

[TooPatient]

I saw the news earlier today but hadn't seen any details. I was hoping the parachutes kept them safe. Such a tragic loss for Canada and the entire aviation community.

 

[Karl_K]

so sad so much death lately.....just sucks

 

[Queenie60]

Very sad news

 

[marcy]

I am so sorry to hear that. Very sad.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

my sympathies to Canada

 

[lyra]

I'm gutted over this. It was about a week ago that they flew over us, and it was awesome and exciting.

 

[TooPatient]

This was posted in one of my aviation groups. If you aren't familiar with the symbolism, it is worth a quick Google to read details. (Since I know many details aren't included there, I will add that every detail is full of meaning. The direction the formation flies from, the direction the ship that breaks flies towards, the elevation difference, etc. It is in honor of the aviator lost. Those who fly this formation do not view it as a duty or a job. It is a privilege and an honor. The entire thing through every stage is treated with the greatest of respect.)

When her aviation family has had a chance to grieve, I hope they are able to fly this honor for her.

 

[missy]

I’m so sorry. Tragic.

 

[Begonia]

This was posted in one of my aviation groups. If you aren't familiar with the symbolism, it is worth a quick Google to read details. (Since I know many details aren't included there, I will add that every detail is full of meaning. The direction the formation flies from, the direction the ship that breaks flies towards, the elevation difference, etc. It is in honor of the aviator lost. Those who fly this formation do not view it as a duty or a job. It is a privilege and an honor. The entire thing through every stage is treated with the greatest of respect.)

When her aviation family has had a chance to grieve, I hope they are able to fly this honor for her.

You have me tearing up now. The missing man formation is the most emotional maneuver to watch. We were so very much looking forward to seeing the last leg of Operation Inspiration on the West coast. It was horrifying footage to watch. Sigh. 2020 is sure challenging humanity on so many levels. Seeing that little plane go down...we are so so sad.

 

[Slickk]

That’s so awfully sad. I’m very sorry to the Canuks. A terrible loss especially in light of their mission.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

So sad. I wish it weren't so.

Sharon

 

[VRBeauty]

What a tragedy.

And... one more reminder that this pandemic is indeed global, affecting people and lives throughout the world.

 

[telephone89]

This happened not too far from me
RIP J Casey

 

[SapphireStyle]

Also not far from me. We were actually sitting on our pool deck waiting for the Snowbirds to pass over us when we heard the news. So tragic.

 

[TooPatient]

The aviation community really is special. I hope pictures make their way around! (This was shared to a pilot group I am in.)

 

[TooPatient]

For any who may not have seen this, they are taking her body home.

 

[Begonia]

For any who may not have seen this, they are taking her body home.

I haven’t seen this. Thanks for sharing @TooPatient. She is a Nova Scotian I believe, a place that has had many heartbreaks recently

 

[Begonia]

@TooPatient, where did you get this photo? I’m not getting anything at all when I google. No mention that her body is being sent home?

 

[TooPatient]

@TooPatient, where did you get this photo? I’m not getting anything at all when I google. No mention that she is being repatriated?

A pilot friend shared it from the FB page of an aerospace controller with the Royal Canadian Airforce. I don't see any links to articles. Just the photo and his comment. (Sticking a screenshot of his comment below.)

 

[AprilBaby]

So terribly sad. We mourn with you.