In a devastating blow to the aviation community and a close-knit Quebec family, the relatives of Antoine Forest, the 30-year-old co-pilot with Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz Aviation), have issued a deeply emotional statement following his untimely death. The young pilot lost his life when the regional jet he was flying collided with a Port Authority airport vehicle on the runway at New York’s busy LaGuardia Airport late on Sunday night.

Forest, who served as captain on the flight from Montreal, and his first officer Mackenzie Gunther were the only fatalities in the horrific incident. Passengers and crew suffered injuries, but many credit the pilots’ quick actions during those final terrifying moments with preventing an even greater catastrophe. Yet for Forest’s loved ones back home in Coteau-du-Lac, a quiet town southwest of Montreal, the news has left them in utter disbelief.

His great-aunt Jeannette Gagnier, who Forest affectionately regarded as a grandmother, described a boy who fell in love with the skies at just 16. He was determined to build a career in aviation and even moved temporarily to Ontario during high school to improve his English, knowing it would open more doors in the industry. “He was always taking courses and flying,” she recalled with immense pride and sorrow. “He never stopped.” Forest trained on bush planes and pursued every opportunity to hone his skills, driven by a passion for mechanics and the mechanics of flight itself.

His brother Cédric posted a gut-wrenching tribute on social media: “Have a good flight, my brother… Oh yes, we’ve heard that phrase often, but this time it will be the last. You left us again, too soon to say goodbye. I love you, my brother. You can leave with your head held high.” The family’s pain is palpable — they simply cannot comprehend that the energetic young man with a bright future ahead has been taken so suddenly.

Friends and neighbors in Coteau-du-Lac have flooded the local city hall with calls offering condolences. The tight-knit community is mourning not just a skilled pilot, but a beloved son, brother, and husband. Forest was married to Kahina Gagnon, and his Facebook profile painted the picture of a dedicated professional who balanced a demanding career with deep family ties.

The crash occurred as the aircraft touched down on Runway 4 at high speed. A fire truck reportedly crossed the runway at an intersection, leading to the fatal impact. Investigators from the NTSB are examining the sequence of events, including why runway safety systems did not provide adequate warning. While passengers have praised the pilots for their composure under extreme pressure, the loss of two young aviators early in their careers has sent shockwaves through Canadian aviation circles.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who take to the skies every day to connect families and communities. Antoine Forest embodied the dream of flight — from his teenage solo flights to captaining regional jets for one of Canada’s flagship carriers. His dedication was unwavering, his future full of promise.

As tributes continue to pour in, with landmarks like the CN Tower dimming lights in honor of the fallen pilots, Forest’s family clings to memories of a “handsome young man” who still loved cuddling during childhood visits and chasing his passion without pause. For them, the skies that once brought him joy now feel painfully empty.

In the words of those who knew him best, Antoine left this world doing what he loved most. Yet the void he leaves behind is immeasurable — a painful reminder that even the most prepared journeys can end in heartbreak.