Tributes are being paid to a mother of two who lost her life in a tragic incident last week when an aircraft collided with her car in Prince George. The victim, identified as Alex Garneau, was caught in the chaos when a twin-engine Beech King Air 200 made an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard, plowing through traffic lanes and striking multiple vehicles.
Garneau, deeply involved in various community activities, notably in sports as an athlete, coach, and volunteer, dedicated much of her time to supporting her children’s sports teams. Described as a pillar of strength and a nurturing figure, an online fundraiser has been established to assist her family, highlighting her roles as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, and a devoted hockey mom.
Numerous heartfelt messages have flooded social media platforms from organizations where Garneau was actively engaged. Fondly remembered as a vibrant and positive individual, she left an indelible mark on the local sports scene, particularly in volleyball, from her early days as a high school player to her coaching tenure with the Prince George Youth Volleyball Club.
The fundraiser has seen an overwhelming response, surpassing $100,000 in donations within just two days, with the proceeds earmarked for Garneau’s family to provide financial support during this challenging time.
As investigations into the tragic incident continue, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has taken over the inquiry to determine the cause of the plane’s engine failure that led to the emergency landing. The aircraft, which was en route to Prince George Airport from Sturdee Airstrip, has been relocated to a nearby gravel pit for further examination under TSB supervision.
While the plane occupants, including two pilots and six passengers, escaped unharmed, questions linger about the circumstances that led to the emergency landing. Former TSB investigator Bill Yearwood has expressed curiosity about the factors contributing to the incident, noting that the aircraft should have been capable of operating on one engine. Pilots are trained to make split-second decisions during emergencies, and Yearwood emphasized the challenges faced in such critical situations.
The community mourns the loss of Alex Garneau, a beloved figure known for her unwavering support and infectious positivity, leaving a lasting impact on all those she touched.