A wave of grief swept across Canada’s aviation community as hundreds of pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff gathered to bid a final farewell to two young pilots—Captain Antoine Forest (30) and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther (24).
Four days after the tragic incident at LaGuardia Airport in the United States, their bodies were returned to Canada. From Montreal to Ottawa, aviation personnel stood in silent tribute, متحد in grief and respect.
Despite the rain, no one stepped away. No umbrellas were raised. Many stood in uniform, eyes filled with tears, honoring not just colleagues, but members of their extended aviation family.
Both pilots were at the early stages of their careers, driven by passion for the skies and dreams of countless sunrises and safe landings. Their untimely deaths have left a profound void in the aviation community.
Captain Tim Perry, President of the Air Line Pilots Association Canada (ALPA Canada), said, “When a pilot takes to the skies, our promise is that they return home safely.”
Captain Gil Renaud of Jazz Aviation shared an emotional message: “If the cockpit feels quieter today, if the seat beside you feels heavier—stand by each other. We are family.”
The tragedy has deeply shaken Canada’s aviation sector. Colleagues say the courage, dedication, and dreams of these two pilots will live on—through every takeoff, every landing, and every silent moment in the cockpit.
Rest in peace, Captain Forest and First Officer Gunther. The sky will carry your names forever.
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