SNOWBIRDS CRASH – Fence memorial to be removed but will be preserved

The Snowbirds memorial along the perimeter fence at the Kamloops Airport will be removed Friday (May 29, 2020).

A joint statement by the City and 19 Wing Comox today said Rocky Mountain Rangers members and City will remove the memorial display of flags and messages “for preservation.”

The instant memorial sprung up after the fatal May 17 crash of a Snowbirds jet that took the life of Capt. Jenn Casey and seriously injured Capt. Richard MacDougall. It grew substantially as the days went by, with many Kamloops residents visiting the site to pay their respects.

There are many messages of condolences to the family of Capt. Casey, well-wishes for the recovery of Capt. MacDougall, and messages of support for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team along the fence line.

“In the spirit of the outpouring of support, the Canadian Armed Forces will preserve as many messages and items as possible, and give them to the Casey family, to Capt. MacDougall, and to the Snowbirds,” today’s statement said.

“The support to the military from the community at Kamloops has been immeasurable and, by preserving as much of the memorial as is possible, will serve to commemorate the tragic event that happened on May 17, and the care and warmth that Kamloops has given to the Canadian Armed Forces.”