Procession for Snowbirds crash victim to make its way through Halifax Sunday
Posted May 24, 2020 1:00 am.
Last Updated May 24, 2020 10:29 am.
HALIFAX — A procession honouring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team member who was killed in recent a plane crash will make its way through the streets of Halifax Sunday evening.
Spectators are encouraged to wear the official Snowbirds colours of red and white to honour Capt. Jennifer Casey during the police-escorted motorcade that will carry her remains through the city to Atlantic Funeral Home on Bayers Road.
RELATED ARTICLE: Victim in Snowbirds crash identified as former journalist Capt. Jennifer Casey
The 35-year-old military public affairs officer and Halifax native died in the crash of a Snowbirds Tutor jet in a residential area of Kamloops, B.C., last Sunday.
The national aerobatics team was on a cross-Canada tour to boost residents’ spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A brief homecoming ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. ADT after Casey’s remains arrive at the Shell Aerocentre near Halifax Stanfield International Airport.
Today Canadians will say goodbye to Snowbirds Captain Jennifer Casey. An aircraft carrying her body left Abbotsford this morning, with a private farewell ceremony held by the Snowbirds team before takeoff. There will be a procession for her in her hometown of Halifax. @NEWS1130 pic.twitter.com/mpRRgWL9ZD
— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) May 24, 2020
Join us in honouring Captain Jennifer Casey, Public Affairs Officer for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Captain Casey’s homecoming to Halifax will be streamed LIVE on the Snowbirds Facebook page on Sunday, May 24 at 5 p.m. Atlantic Daylight Time. https://t.co/5DR2V3pOeN pic.twitter.com/d0vTC6M9CO
— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) May 23, 2020
The funeral procession will then travel through the city with her family, military and invited guests, beginning along Highway 102 before turning onto Bayers Road and making a loop through the city’s north end.
Spectators are being asked to respect social distancing measures while observing the procession.
A photo of Jenn Casey while she was working as a producer with NEWS 95.7
RELATED ARTICLE: Canada in mourning: Captain killed in Snowbirds crash remembered for infectious smile, overall kindness
In the week since the crash, Casey’s family has described her as possessing a beautiful smile and a “positively infectious personality” that made her the ideal person to carry out a mission aimed at stirring hope during a time of uncertainty.
Friends and former colleagues have remembered her as upbeat, professional and enthusiastic with lasting pride about her home city.
Casey earned bachelor’s degrees in arts and journalism from Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College in Halifax, as well a master’s of interdisciplinary studies from Royal Roads University in Victoria.
Before joining the Armed Forces, Casey had a career as a radio reporter, anchor and producer in Halifax and Belleville, Ont.
She began her military career as a direct entry officer August 2014 and was assigned to the Snowbirds in 2018.
The jet’s pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall of Moncton, N.B., survived the crash in Kamloops. The military has said his injuries are not life-threatening.
Operation Inspiration has been suspended while the team’s jets are subject to an “operational pause,” the team’s commander said last week. Lt.-Col. Mike French said the events were the “absolute worst nightmare” for the Snowbirds.
