“Dancing with the Stars” alum Charlotte Jørgensen has opened up about her experience being a passenger on the Air Canada plane that crashed into a firetruck on a runway at New York City’s LaGuardia airport on March 22.
“Air Canada Express Flight 8646, a CRJ-900 operated by Jazz Aviation, was carrying 72 passengers and four crew members from Montreal to New York when it struck a fire truck on the runway,” according to the CBC. “The crash killed both pilots” — Captain Antoine Forest (30) and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther (24) — “hurled a flight attendant from the aircraft and sent more than 40 people to hospital.”
Charlotte Says She Owes Her Life to the Late Pilots
“A week ago tonight, after a fabulous weekend in Montreal, I boarded Air Canada 8646 bound for La Guardia NYC,” Jørgensen wrote in an Instagram post that she shared on Sunday, March 29. “By now, probably most of you have heard of the collision that happened with a firetruck on the runway. I owe my life to two brave souls Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther — they made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all could live…. I am indebted to them and my thoughts are with their families🙇♀️🙇♀️🙇♀️”
“On the night I felt nothing as adrenaline was rushing through my body but the days after has been tough — physically, mentally and emotionally,” she added. “I am at home now, and Nelson and Vivianna are taking good care of me. I will be taking time to heal.”
“I am grateful for all the love I have received and I send you all an extra warm hug🫂🙏❤️,” Jørgensen continued. “Thank you to my @dancingwiththestars family for your care and concern🙏🙏”
Charlotte’s Followers Reacted to Her Post with Shock and Support
CanvaAfter Jørgensen posted about her experience on Instagram, her followers were quick to fill her comments with messages expressing both their shock and support.
One person wrote, “Charlotte I’m so happy you are safe and what a heartfelt gesture of gratitude from someone actually there. … These two men are heroes.”
“OMG. We had no idea. Thank God you are unharmed. The emotional trauma may need a while to work through. Sending love ❤️,” another follower added.
A third social media user said, “Dear God, CJ, I had no idea. So glad you are ok! Big hugs!”
“Oh Charlotte…I am so grateful you are safe. I cannot even imagine what you have been through. Sending all my love your way 🙏❤️,” came from another person.
Someone else left a comment, writing, “I can’t imagine all the emotions you’re going through right now! So happy to hear you’re ok physically but hoping the best for your healing journey otherwise!”
