One year after tragic crash, loved ones return to Kamloops to honour Capt. Jennifer Casey

KAMLOOPS — In two years time, the City of Kamloops will have a permanent memorial to remember the life of Captain Jennifer Casey — the charismatic Snowbird member who sought to lift the spirits of Canadians with Operation Inspiration.

“Today is a day to remember and a day to really celebrate a great Canadian,” Mayor Ken Christian said at the announcement from city hall.

Christian announced Monday (May 17) the memorial will be constructed as part of Fulton Field Park in 2023. The final design still needs approval, but will include story boards explaining the history of Kamloops’ relationship with the military, and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

“It will be a place for Kamloops residents to meet,” notes Christian. “Some to observe aviation because many people do that. Some to remember military service, and for others to reflect on the life and vision of Captain Casey.”

Joining Christian in the announcement was Cpt. Casey’s partner and fellow Snowbird at the time, Cpt. Scott Boyd. It was an emotional return to Kamloops. One year ago, Boyd says he was on the ground waiting to take off when the plane went down.

“As much as I don’t want to remember large parts of it, it’s as if it happened yesterday,” he recalls.

Captain Scott Boyd reflects on the tragic events from one year ago, as he returns to Kamloops. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)

Boyd says seeing the tributes outside the Kamloops Airport in the days after the incident was impactful. He says the community’s support of the Snowbirds was reflective of Operation Inspiration, and ultimately Cpt. Casey’s spirit.

“She kind of embodied what I think a Canadian is,” says Boyd. “She was a kind person, she was genuine. She loved hockey and dogs and her community. I think that really summed up who she was as a person, and it was just amazing.”

Casey’s partner was joined at City Hall by two of her friends — Morgan Muise, and Dan McDonald. The people who knew Casey in childhood, and university say they were glad to share some of the personality that made up Captain Casey — or as they knew her, Jenn.

“Everything you guys hear is true,” notes McDonald. “You know, she was always smiling. She loved this country very much and she was always proud of where she came from. And we’re always very grateful that we got to have some part in her life.”

Come 2023, Kamloops will be able to gather at Fulton Field Park to celebrate the intent behind Operation Inspiration, and remember the life of Captain Jennifer Casey.

Cpt. Jennifer Casey’s childhood friend Morgan Muise and university friend Dan McDonald speaking to media from Kamloops City Hall’s council chambers. (Image Credit: Adam Donnelly / CFJC Today)