The two pilots who died in a fatal Air Canada crash at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night have been named as Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther.
The passenger flight had arrived in New York from Montreal and was reportedly moving at about 24mph when it struck a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey fire truck.
According to officials, the emergency vehicle was responding to a separate situation involving an “aircraft operated by United that had reported an issue with odor” at the time of the collision.
Jazz Aviation, which was operating the service for Air Canada, said there were 76 people on board, including four crew members.
In the aftermath, 41 people were transported to hospital, with 32 passengers later released.
The pilot and first officer were both killed in the impact.
“Sadly, the two pilots are confirmed deceased and notifications are being made by Air Canada’s care team at this time,” Port Authority Executive Director Kathryn Garcia told press on Monday.
One of those confirmed dead was pilot Antoine Forest, who began flying for Jazz Aviation in 2022.
Forest was from Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec — a community around 25 miles from Montreal — his family told the Toronto Star.
His great aunt, Jeannette Gagnier, said Forest had been in the air since he was 16 years old.
“He was always taking courses and flying,” she said. “He never stopped.”
First officer Mackenzie Gunther also died as a result of the collision.
Seneca Polytechnic said Gunther completed its Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology program in 2023.
“Through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, he joined Jazz Aviation immediately after graduation and began his professional flying career,” they wrote on their website.
“Seneca sends our deepest condolences to Mr. Gunther’s family and friends, and to his former colleagues and professors. He will be deeply missed.”
Authorities have launched an investigation and are working to establish exactly how the crash occurred.
Following confirmation of the deaths, Jazz Aviation President Doug Clarke said in a statement: “Today is an incredibly difficult day for our airline, our employees, and most importantly, the families and loved ones of those affected by the accident involving flight 8646.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our two pilots and our unwavering support to those who have been injured.”
Officials also confirmed that both firefighters in the truck survived the incident.