Tragic Loss of Air Canada Pilot

The owner of a coffee shop in Toronto, favored by Air Canada pilot Mackenzie Gunther, shared on Tuesday that he reached out to his regular customers after the recent plane crash at LaGuardia Airport.

“When I didn’t hear back after a day, I sensed something was off,” said Daniel Biro, the owner and roaster of Rapid Ends Coffee in Peterborough, Ontario.

Gunther was unfortunately killed in the crash on Sunday, which also claimed the life of co-pilot Antoine Forrest.

The regional jet collided with a fire truck shortly after landing.

Biro reflected on Gunther, saying, “Mackenzie was a wonderful young man. He graduated just a few years ago and was a weekly visitor while in school.” He also mentioned that the pilot had recently married.

“He really dedicated his life to his passion for flying. It’s a tragedy,” Biro added.

Gunther and Forrest lost their lives just before midnight on Sunday when their jet hit a Port Authority fire truck on the runway at Queens Airport. Over 40 passengers and crew members were injured in the unexpected incident.

According to Biro, Gunther was in the café just two weeks ago, and he usually ordered a cold beer, black coffee, or espresso over ice. Biro called him a coffee “purist.”

Latest News on Air Canada Crash at LaGuardia Airport

Biro mentioned that he had spoken to Gunther occasionally throughout the years and noted how “really excited” he was about pursuing his career as a pilot.

“Flight was his passion. It’s heartbreaking to lose him at such a young age,” Biro remarked.

In a gesture of remembrance, Biro announced on Facebook that the café will offer complimentary specialty drinks made with Gunther’s favorite Haitian coffee and cold brew, allowing customers to sign a card for his widow in his honor.

“He was a fine young man,” the coffee shop owner concluded.