The names of the pilot and co-pilot who tragically lost their lives in a collision between an Air Canada flight and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport have now been released. They are Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.
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The deadly aviation incident took place shortly before midnight. The plane bearing 72 passengers and a crew of four was coming in for a landing. It struck a fire truck on the runway. The impact was violent enough to virtually destroy the nose of the plane, thereby killing the two pilots and injuring many. They are being praised for their quick thinking and last-minute actions that may well have saved many lives, per The Daily Mail. Although the crash was horrific, it seems like lives were spared by the two brave men in the cockpit.
The Two Men Are Being Mourned and Remembered
Antoine Forest
Antoine Forest's family reportedly confirmed to The Toronto Star that the young pilot from Coteau-du-Lac lost his life in the collision. In a somber, loving
Facebook post, his brother, Cedric, movingly honored his late sibling. His words brim with emotion. Despite Cedric's terrible loss, there is also quiet joy in his message.He touchingly wrote, "Have a safe flight, my brother! Oh yes, we've often heard that phrase, but this time will be the last. You were coming and going in the wind, always full of new projects in mind. Gone again in the wind too soon to say goodbye I love you brother. you can leave with your head held high." A photo shows the two brothers as youngsters.
Mackenzie Gunther
Co-pilot Mackenzie Gunther was honored on the web site of his alma mater, Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto. A memorial essay about him stated in part, "Seneca mourns the loss of alumnus Mackenzie Gunther in the aviation accident at LaGuardia Airport in New York yesterday."
Furthermore, the essay noted, "Mr. Gunther graduated from the Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology (FPR) program in 2023. Through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, he joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation and began his professional flying career. He was the First Officer on the flight, operating as Air Canada Express, from Montreal to New York."
Additionally, it also included this sentiment. "Seneca sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gunther's family and friends, and to his former colleagues and professors. He will be deeply missed."
