Teachers at Lambrick Park Secondary are remembering former student Capt. Kevin Hagen as an exceptional person who made a lasting impression at the school.
Hagen was one of six crew members on a Cyclone military helicopter that went down in the Mediterranean Sea off the Greek coast Wednesday as it was returning to the Halifax-based frigate HMCS Fredericton. The helicopter was part of the Fredericton’s NATO mission when it went down while concluding a training exercise.
One member was found dead in the wreckage, while Hagen was one of five that were missing.
The Canadian Forces formally ended its search for survivors Friday, after scouring the sea with NATO allies. The Forces said it recovered remains believed to be those of people aboard the helicopter, but they can’t yet be identified.
Teacher Tom Turnbull said Hagen graduated in 2007 after a stellar school career.
He said Hagen was in air cadets during high school and was always talking about wanting to fly. “He reached his goal and made it to a captain.”
Hagen was a member of 848 Royal Roads Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, which issued a statement saying that the hearts of its members go out to his family and loved ones “as we all process the grief of losing an alumni of our squadron.”
Turnbull said Hagen was also an accomplished musician.
“In Grade 11 and 12, he won the top student for the music/band classes, so two years in a row.”
Turnbull, who taught Hagen in social studies, described him as a “driven” student who was on the honour roll.
“He was a great student and a great citizen,” he said. “Nothing but great things to say about him.”
Turnbull said he has been in contact with many of his Lambrick Park colleagues, who were also full of praise for Hagen, calling him friendly, co-operative, kind, caring and someone who always wanted to do his best.
Hagen was born in Nanaimo and grew up in Ladysmith and on Quadra Island, as well as Victoria.
Turnbull said Hagen’s brother, Kyle, and sister, Christie, also went to Lambrick Park.
— With files from The Canadian Press
