The family of Capt. Jennifer Casey, the member of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team who died in Sunday’s crash in British Columbia, is remembering her as a born storyteller who made an impact on everyone she crossed paths with.
“Her journey took her many places, but her heart was always at home in Halifax,” said honorary Lt.-Col. Corrine MacLellan on behalf of Casey’s family Wednesday afternoon.
READ MORE: Who was CF Snowbirds member killed in crash? Capt. Jenn Casey remembered as a ‘beautiful person’
Casey, the Snowbird’s public affairs officer, died in the crash in Kamloops, B.C. The pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall, is in hospital with serious injuries.
The 35-year-old was a part of the national flyover campaign dubbed Operation Inspiration, to honour the lives of 22 people killed in the Nova Scotia mass shooting as well as those lost to the coronavirus crisis.
Her family says the mission was designed for Casey.
“Operation Inspiration is a mission with one focus — making Canadians happy in a time of uncertainty,” the statement reads. “And there was no better person in this world to carry out that mission than Jenn.
“Her beautiful smile and positively infectious personality could brighten anyone’s day, and she proudly served the mission as she flew across our great nation with a team that she adored.”
Casey joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2014 and the Snowbirds in 2018. Her family says the position allowed her to thrive personally and professionally.
“While serving her country, Jenn travelled around the world, meeting new friends at every stop along the way,” said MacLellan.
Before joining the Armed Forces, Casey worked as a radio reporter, producer and anchor for News 95.7 in Halifax, where her family says she built her “enormous group of friends.”
She completed a master of interdisciplinary studies at Royal Roads University in 2019 and held a bachelor of journalism from the University of King’s College and a bachelor of arts in political science and comparative world religions from Dalhousie University.
READ MORE: CF Snowbirds team member killed in crash in Kamloops, B.C.
Her family says she was a born storyteller — a role she embraced with passion and skill.
“Using her experience and media connections, Jenn was great at telling the stories of the brave men and women that served Canada at home and abroad,” MacLellan said.
She’s being remembered by those who knew her best for her sharp wit and kindness.
“She is gone but she will never be forgotten,” MacLellan concluded.
“Capt. Jennifer Casey, we salute you.”
–With files from Andrew Russell, Morganne Campbell and Ross Lord.