MACKENZIE GUNTHER, Mackenzie Gunther was serving as the First Officer on Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a Bombardier CRJ-900 traveling from Montreal to New York.
He graduated in 2023 from Seneca Polytechnic with a Honours Bachelor of Aviation Technology. After completing his studies, he entered the aviation field through the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program and joined Jazz Aviation shortly afterward. His career was still in its early phase, and instructors and colleagues described him as a promising young pilot.
Before this, he received aviation training at Cégep de Chicoutimi and gained flying experience with regional operators such as Air Saguenay and Exact Air.
Gunther was among the crew members who lost their lives in the fatal runway collision at LaGuardia Airport. Captain Antoine Forest, a 30-year-old from Coteau-du-Lac, Québec, was also killed in the incident.
According to reports, the aircraft had already landed and was slowing down on the runway when it collided with a Port Authority fire truck.
Despite the severity of the crash, several passengers later acknowledged the actions of the flight crew in the final moments. In particular, the rapid braking helped reduce the impact and likely prevented a greater loss of life.
Following the tragedy, Bryan Bedford described both pilots as “two young men at the beginning of their careers,” highlighting the significant loss to the aviation community.
Seneca Polytechnic also released a statement expressing sorrow over Gunther’s passing and offered condolences to his family, friends, classmates, and colleagues. Flags across the campus were lowered to half-mast in his honor.
After the incident, misinformation began circulating online regarding Gunther’s identity. Some early reports incorrectly identified him, and unrelated images were shared across various platforms.
These inaccuracies led members of the aviation community to call for the removal of incorrect photos and to emphasize the importance of sharing verified information only.
At this time, only limited confirmed public details and verified imagery have been released by credible sources.
Captain Antoine Forest, who also died in the crash, was a Québec native who began flying at a young age. He built his career through regional aviation before advancing to the cockpit of a commercial regional jet.
Both pilots represented a new generation of aviation professionals whose careers were tragically cut short.
The aircraft was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members at the time of the collision. Several passengers were injured, although many have since been treated and released from the hospital.
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation as federal authorities work to determine the sequence of events and contributing factors.
As the aviation community continues to process this loss, tributes have been shared by colleagues, institutions, and professionals around the world.
Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forest are being remembered with respect and honor.
People across the global aviation community are encouraged to show support and solidarity with the families, friends, and colleagues of both pilots during this difficult time.
