A mother of two has died after a plane with engine trouble made an emergency landing on a busy road in Canada. Alex Garneau was killed when the aircraft struck four vehicles as it came down among traffic on Foothills Boulevard in Prince George, British Columbia, on Thursday August 20.
Plane forced down after engine failure
The Beechcraft King Air 200 had departed the remote Sturdee River airstrip at 1.25pm and was heading for Prince George International Airport. There were two crew members and six passengers on board when the aircraft lost power to one of its engines, according to preliminary findings.
It was then forced to land on the busy road below, which connects the city centre with the Hart neighbourhood to the north. Nobody aboard the plane was injured, but Alex was killed in one of the vehicles caught up in the crash.
Tributes to a devoted hockey mum
Alex was well known within the local hockey community and had connections to the HPL Kings, PG Whalers and Cariboo Hockey through her husband. A GoFundMe launched for her family described her as a devoted "hockey mom" involved in almost every team and activity her children joined. Organisers Laura Creighton and Katie Trottier said: "She made the drive. She organised. She cheered. She made things happen."
They said Alex was also a loyal friend who always showed up when people needed her and made those around her feel that they belonged. The tribute added: "She was fiercely devoted to her family, and she will be forever missed and remembered."
Fundraisers raise over C$100,000
Two fundraisers established for her family have raised more than C$100,000 (£53,700) between them. The money will be used to support Jordan, Josie and Jackson with their immediate and longer-term needs. A second appeal launched through the Junior Ducks Hockey Club described Alex as "so much more than a hockey mom" and a major part of its wider hockey family.
She regularly helped organise activities, supported young players and travelled with the team. Jackson has played for the Junior Ducks, HPL Kings, Pacific Selects in Vancouver and the HPL Lumberjacks. Josie is also part of the hockey community and plays in the 2015 age group.
The club said Alex brought warmth to a room simply by being there and had given so much of herself to her family and the people around her. It added: "We love you, Alex. You will never be forgotten."
Investigation continues
Paramedics assessed another 10 people following the crash, with two taken to hospital in a stable condition. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said its initial information about the engine losing power remains subject to change as the investigation continues.
Investigators spent Friday gathering evidence at the scene and arranging interviews with those involved. Complex investigations can take months before a final report is completed. The aircraft was operated by Sekani Air. Police have not yet publicly confirmed Alex's identity as the person killed. Jam Press has contacted police and Prince George RCMP for confirmation.
