An online petition by a Kamloops resident is urging the city rename the road leading to Kamloops Airport, after Capt. Jennifer Casey.
Casey, a Halifax native, was killed when the Snowbirds plane she was in crashed shortly after taking off from the airport yesterday.
“The Snowbirds were on an important mission to bring happiness, joy and inspiration to Canadians during these difficult times,” Giancarlo Briglio, the creator of the petition, wrote on twitter.
“I am asking to commemorate Captain J Casey by renaming Airport Road to Cpt. Jennifer Casey Memorial Way.
The Snowbirds flew into Kamloops on Saturday as part of Operation Inspiration, a cross-country tour meant to raise the spirits of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It began on May 3 in Nova Scotia, and has been put on pause due to the crash and the resulting investigation, which is underway at the scene today.
Meanwhile, a memorial that was started at the Kamloops Airport perimeter yesterday evening has grown today.
(Photo via Royal Canadian Air Force)
Sad day. Cpt Jennifer Casey died today. The Snowbirds were on an important mission to bring happiness, joy and inspiration to Canadians during these difficult times. I am asking to commemorate Captain J Casey by renaming Airport Road to Cpt. Jennifer Casey Memorial Way. pic.twitter.com/sSWw5gcpdU
— Giancarlo M Briglio (@BriglioM) May 18, 2020
To say this is heartbreaking and heartwarming is a vast understatement. Having trouble keeping dry eyes out here myself. #Kamloops #snowbirdscrash @CFSnowbirds @RadioNLNews pic.twitter.com/iSOTUgYXES
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020
Something incredibly powerful just occurred here as a carload of Canadian Forces troops, including a public affairs officer from CFB Comox sent to help the Snowbirds out happened across the drum circle and community members at the airport fence. #Kamloops #snowbirdscrash pic.twitter.com/uWYqadamGS
— Brett Mineer (@MineerBrett) May 18, 2020