As we continue our countdown of the top 15 stories of the year, we now reach number 2, which takes us back to May 17.

The scene where a Snowbirds jet crashed into a Kamloops, B.C., Neighbourhood (Courtesy: Jason Kyle Arnold/Facebook)

Operation Inspiration was underway, which saw the snowbird flying across Canada saluting front-line health-care workers, first responders, and essential workers. The team started in Nova Scotia heading westward across the country targeting hospitals and residential areas.

The Snowbirds were in Kamloops on the 17th when one of the Tudor jets crashed shortly after takeoff, killing Public Affairs Officer Captain Jennifer Casey, and injuring Captain Richard MacDougall.

Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds, Lt.-Col Mike French, spoke at a media conference in the following days and talked about Captain Casey's dedication to her job.

"The team is devastated by the loss of Jenn. She was the quintessential public affairs officer, a tireless and energetic officer with a social media and network of contacts from her previous media career as a broadcaster. She had a savvy with social media which endeared her to the public. She absolutely loved this job and it was one of the

Public Affairs Officer Capt. Jennifer Casey main reasons why the Snowbirds Operation Inspiration had been so well received by the public."

"She had just received one Canadian Air Division Commanders Coin in recognition of her stellar efforts, and a nomination was being drafted for a Chief of Defence Staff commendation. Her loss is a serious blow, not only to our team but to the Royal Canadian Airforce and the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole."

The day following the crash, residents were lined up at the Snowbirds Tudor jet on display at Tourism Moose Jaw, leaving flowers and notes of condolences at the base of the aircraft. The clock tower at city hall was also lit up red in support of the team.

Captain Richard MacDougall was released from the hospital and returned to Moose Jaw ten days after the crash.

A single bird (red circle) can be seen near the right engine intake during takeoff (Photo courtesy of the RCAF)