In a devastating incident near the U.S.-Mexico border, a National Guard Lakota UH-72 helicopter crashed on Friday, resulting in the loss of three lives. The identities of the victims, two National Guard members and one Border Patrol agent, were released by officials on Sunday.

The helicopter went down just before 4 p.m. local time near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Department of Defense's Joint Task Force North. Tragically, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Casey Frankoski, 28, of Rensselaer, New York, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 John Grassia, 30, of Schenectady, both lost their lives in the crash, as reported by the National Guard Bureau. The name of the injured soldier has not been disclosed.

Additionally, Border Patrol Agent Chris Luna was among the victims, confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a press release, Mayorkas expressed his deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of all those who lost their lives. He also acknowledged the bravery and unwavering commitment of Border Patrol agents who selflessly put themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety and security of others.

The cause of the tragic crash remains under investigation, with officials conducting a thorough examination to determine what led to the accident. It must be noted that the incident occurred during routine operations while the helicopter was assigned to the federal Southwest border support mission.

President Joe Biden paid tribute to the fallen heroes, stating that their sacrifice would never be forgotten. He highlighted their dedication to protecting the nation and their unwavering belief in the mission of serving their fellow Americans. The President extended his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as their colleagues in the National Guard and U.S. Border Patrol. He also expressed hopes for a swift recovery for the injured Guardsman.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the nation mourns the loss of these brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their dedication and selflessness will always be remembered, and their service to the nation will forever be honored.