Wahlberg Shares Gratitude After Near-Disaster Flight Incident

Actor and singer Donnie Wahlberg took to social media on Sunday to express his gratitude to God and several airline pilots following a harrowing flight experience. Wahlberg was traveling on a private jet with seven others after a New Kids on the Block concert in Las Vegas when the aircraft skidded off the runway at Harry Reid International Airport and struck the perimeter fence.

According to an airport statement, “At approximately 11 a.m., upon departure, a general aviation aircraft skid off runway 1L at LAS and made contact with the perimeter fence. There are no known injuries at this time.”

Wahlberg shared his thoughts in a post where he thanked everyone for their concern about the incident. He mentioned that he created a video intended for friends and family, but decided to share it more widely due to the number of caring messages he received. He confirmed that he was on board along with his team and friends.

Describing the experience, he said it was a particularly tense moment, which seemed to stretch on for what felt like several minutes. He clarified that the plane did not take off successfully and almost faced a disastrous landing while narrowly avoiding trucks and heavy machinery.

“We’re all okay. I’m okay,” Wahlberg reassured. “We were taking off and didn’t get up in the air and ran out of runway. I just want to say, these pilots saved our lives. God covered us. I don’t know how many fences we avoided, but we didn’t avoid the last one.”

“God is good,” he reflected. “I had just finished praying when I looked out the window. I thought, ‘We’re not going up in the air today, but we’re safe and thankful.’ Everything is fine. Praise Jesus.”

In his Instagram caption, Wahlberg also acknowledged the emergency responders on the ground in Las Vegas, expressing his gratitude to them as well. “Thankful to God, of course, and to our incredible pilots who did an amazing job of keeping us safe and avoiding a serious disaster,” he wrote. “The airplane did take some hits, but we did not.”

He concluded with deep appreciation, stating, “Thank you to all the emergency personnel on the ground in Las Vegas! You were all absolutely wonderful. All glory to God! By His grace, we are all okay.”