Stanford Law grad among seven killed in Iraq
Christopher ‘Tripp’ Zanetis, 37, graduated with pro bono distinction from the school in 2017
STANFORD >> A recent Stanford Law School graduate who served 10 years with the New York City Fire Department has been identified as one of seven U.S. service members killed Thursday in a helicopter crash in Iraq near the Syrian border.
Christopher “Tripp” Zanetis, 37, graduated with pro bono distinction from Stanford in 2017, according to a biography posted on Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s website. Zanetis joined the international law firm that same year and was an associate in its litigation department.
“He was an exceptional person and will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the firm,” the firm said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Tripp’s family.”
The helicopter, an HH60 Pave Hawk, crashed, U.S. officials said, after hitting a power line. The crash did not appear to be a result of enemy activity and is under investigation.
“This tragedy reminds us of the risks our men and women face every day in service of our nations,” said Army Brig. Gen. Jonathan P. Braga, director of operations in the fight against IS in Iraq and Syria. “We are thinking of the loved ones of those service members today.”
M. Elizabeth Magill, Stanford Law School Dean, recalled Zanetis as a beloved student, friend and community member.
“We are heartbroken at his loss,” Magill said. “He was one of the most extraordinary students I had the privilege of knowing and he will long be remembered in the institution.”
Zanetis, a fire marshal with FDNY, was on unpaid leave while he pursued a career in law. He decided to join the fire department after the September 11th attacks and deployed in Afghanistan with the New York Air National Guard in 2012.
A second FDNY member, 39-year-old Lt. Christopher J. Raguso, was also killed in the helicopter crash.
Both men were members of the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard and were previously recognized for their bravery in their respective roles with the fire department.
“They are truly two of New York City’s bravest — running into danger to protect and defend others, both in New York City and in combat overseas,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, loved ones and fellow service members and FDNY members.”
Raguso and Zanetis are the 1,148th and 1,149th FDNY members to make the “supreme sacrifice” in the line of duty, according to a statement issued by the fire department.
On Friday, President Donald Trump offered his thoughts and prayers on Twitter for the families of service members killed in the crash, saying he was thinking of the “brave troops,” and adding that “their sacrifice in service to our country will never be forgotten.”