Pilots Killed in LaGuardia Crash Were Young Canadian Dreamers

Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forrest, both in their 20s, had long aspired to become commercial pilots.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 6:18pm

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The two pilots killed in the collision between an Air Canada jet and a fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Sunday were identified as Mackenzie Gunther and Antoine Forrest, two young Canadian men who had long dreamed of careers as commercial pilots. Gunther had recently graduated from a Toronto aviation program, while Forrest had worked for two airlines in the past five years. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, which left around 40 passengers and crew injured, some seriously.

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of the two young pilots highlight the risks and challenges faced by those pursuing careers in commercial aviation, an industry that has seen major disruptions in recent years. The investigation into the crash will also examine broader issues around airport safety and operations, especially during periods of disruption like the partial government shutdown that was ongoing at the time.

The details

Gunther and Forrest were operating the Air Canada regional jet that collided with a fire truck on the runway at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday evening. Around 40 of the roughly 70 passengers and crew were taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries, though most were released by Monday morning. Federal officials said a runway warning system failed to sound an alarm moments before the collision, and are looking into the role of air traffic controllers.

  • The collision occurred on Sunday, March 24, 2026.
  • Most of the injured passengers and crew were released from hospitals by Monday morning, March 25, 2026.

The players

Mackenzie Gunther

A recent graduate of the Honors Bachelor of Aviation Technology program at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto, Gunther had just joined the Jazz Aviation Pathways Program, a training program operated by Air Canada.

Antoine Forrest

Forrest was from Coteau-du-Lac, a small city in southwestern Québec, and had worked for two airlines in the past five years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Brian Bedford

The FAA Administrator who called the deaths of Gunther and Forrest "an absolute tragedy" at the start of their careers.

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What they’re saying

“These were two young men at the start of their careers. It's an absolute tragedy that we're sitting here with their loss.”

— Brian Bedford, FAA Administrator

“Antoine was one of our own. In a community like ours, everyone knows someone who knew him. His passing represents an immense loss for our entire community.”

— Andrée Brosseau, Mayor of Coteau-du-Lac

“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.”

— Cédric Forest, Antoine Forrest's brother

What’s next

Federal officials said they are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, including looking into the role of air traffic controllers and the failure of a runway warning system to sound an alarm.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of Gunther and Forrest, two young pilots with bright futures, underscore the risks and challenges faced by those pursuing careers in commercial aviation. Their loss will be deeply felt by their families, communities, and the aviation industry as a whole.