What to Know
Last week, an Air Canada plane crashed on the runway while landing at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, causing injuries to multiple passengers, along with the deaths of the plane’s pilots, Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther. Now, one of the survivors of the crash is speaking out: Former Dancing With the Stars pro Charlotte Jorgensen, who made an Instagram post one week after what must have been a truly terrifying experience.
Charlotte was headed home after a weekend in Montreal.
Charlotte performed as a dance pro on DWTS in the show’s first season, when she was paired with John O’Hurley. The duo came in second before ultimately taking the mirrorball trophy in a rematch, and though it was ultimately her only season on the show, she definitely made a lasting impact. And after her experience on the tragic Air Canada flight 8646, she’s sharing her story.
“A week ago tonight, after a fabulous weekend in Montreal, I boarded Air Canada 8646 bound for La Guardia NYC. By now, probably most of you have heard of the collision that happened with a firetruck on the runway,” she wrote in her caption. “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.”
She admitted that coping with the tragedy has been a struggle.
Charlotte went on to share that while the “adrenaline” from the plane crash carried her through at first, now, the reality of what she survived is really starting to hit her.
“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 continued. “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.”
She also added a special thank you to the Dancing With the Stars crew for their “care and concern.”
An investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
The flight had landed and was taxiing on the runway when it collided with a fire truck on the evening of March 22, killing both pilots in the process. So far, they have been the only fatalities, but out of the 72 passengers on the plane, 41 ended up seeking medical attention at the scene.
On Tuesday, Reuters reported that air traffic controller staffing may have played a role in the crash occurring in the first place, since the slimmed down staff could have violated procedures for the time of evening the plane was landing.
READ NEXT: The 10 Most Emotional ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Performances That Gave Us All the Feels
