Flight Attendant Ejected from Air Canada Plane in LaGuardia Crash Expresses Gratitude for Survival
Solange Tremblay, a senior flight attendant with Air Canada, is speaking out after being ejected from an aircraft during a catastrophic crash at LaGuardia Airport in New York last month. The incident, which occurred on March 22, 2026, involved Air Canada Express Flight 8646 colliding with a fire truck upon landing, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
Details of the Tragic Crash and Injuries
The collision claimed the lives of the flight's captain, Antoine Forest, and first officer Mackenzie Gunther. In addition to Tremblay, another flight attendant, thirty-seven passengers, and two individuals in the fire truck were injured. Tremblay was found conscious more than one hundred metres from the wreckage after her jump seat was launched from the aircraft, suffering severe trauma.
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her family, Tremblay has required multiple surgeries after shattering both legs. She also sustained a fractured spine and needed skin grafts to repair flesh lost on her legs while sliding down the tarmac. The campaign highlights the extensive medical care needed for her recovery.
Tremblay's Recovery and Emotional Response
In an update posted on the donation page on April 5, Tremblay expressed profound gratitude for the support she has received. "I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your love, support, your kind words from all around the world," she wrote. "I am speechless, without words, and so full of gratitude for your help, and so grateful to still be alive."
She reported that her spine is healing well and she was preparing for a third surgery on her right leg. Tremblay emphasized her resilience, stating, "I am slowly recovering and have a lot of support from my employer, my family, and friends near and far. I still have a very long journey ahead of me to recover physically and mentally, but I am strong, positive and ready to do so."
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
The GoFundMe campaign, set up by Tremblay's daughter Sarah Lepine and her cousin Johannes Verbeek, has garnered significant attention. As of Wednesday, more than $249,000 had been raised, bringing the page within approximately $50,000 of its goal. This financial support is crucial for covering medical expenses and aiding in Tremblay's rehabilitation.
The crash has drawn widespread media coverage and public concern, underscoring the risks faced by aviation professionals and the importance of safety measures. Tremblay's story of survival and gratitude serves as a poignant reminder of human resilience in the face of tragedy.
