“A quarter of a century has passed since 12 of our colleagues died in a helicopter crash at Prokoško Lake. On this occasion, we remember Peter Backes, Livio Beccaccio, Andrzej Buler, David Kriskovich, Leah Melnick, Charles Morpeth, William Nesbitt, Marvin Padgett, Thomas Reinhardt, Jurgen Schauf, Georg Stiebler, and Ambassador Gerd Wagner.
Today we are remembering their dedicated work and renewing our commitment to continue helping BiH and its people. This is our tribute to them, and our lasting duty to the people of this country,” said the High Representative Christian Schmidt.
Twelve passengers died when their helicopter crashed into Prokosko mountain in dense fog. On board the flight were two separate delegations: a five person OHR delegation and a seven person UN delegation. Five Americans were killed, including William Nesbitt, ICITAP Sarajevo’s first Program Manager, and David Kriskovic, a retired FBI agent and Army veteran who helped found the ICITAP program in the late 1980’s. David Kriskovic’s daughter, Elizabeth Kriskovic Tansing, also attended the service.