Victim Identified as Local Coach and Volunteer
Alex Garneau, a mother of two school-aged children, has been identified as the person killed when a twin-engine aircraft struck her vehicle during an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard in Prince George last week. Both CBC and Global News reported her identity, noting that she was known throughout the community as an athlete, coach and volunteer who devoted significant time to her children's sports teams.
According to an online fundraiser described by CBC, Garneau was remembered as a wife, daughter, sister, friend and hockey mom who worked behind the scenes for nearly every team and activity involving her children. The fundraiser text stated that she made the drives, organized events, cheered and made things happen, while holding big dreams for her children's futures. Global News similarly identified her as the mother of two whose family became the focus of community support following the incident.
Sequence of the Emergency Landing
The aircraft involved was a Beech King Air 200, a twin-engine plane registered as C-GEDV and operated by Sekani Air Ltd., according to details carried by Global News and CBC. It departed Sturdee Airstrip in north-central British Columbia at 1:25 p.m. PT on August 20 with two crew members and six passengers on board, some of them identified as resource workers. The flight was bound for Prince George Airport.
Both outlets reported that the plane lost power in one of its two engines while en route and was forced to make an emergency landing on Foothills Boulevard. CBC stated that the aircraft touched down and crashed through three lanes of traffic, colliding with four vehicles. Global News confirmed the collision with four vehicles and noted that no one aboard the plane was injured. CBC added that the aircraft was later towed to a nearby gravel pit under the supervision of the Transportation Safety Board.
Global News reported that B.C. Emergency Health Services treated 10 people at the scene, with two taken to hospital. One man who was in a vehicle struck by the plane posted on Facebook that he considered himself lucky to be alive after the roof caved in and a metal pole pierced the rear seat, a detail included in the Global News account.
Community Response and Fundraising
Support for Garneau's family gathered quickly. An online fundraiser established for the mother of two raised more than $100,000 within two days of going live, a figure reported by both CBC and Global News. Organizers indicated the funds would assist the family.
CBC detailed tributes from local sports organizations. The Cariboo Cougars minor hockey club described Garneau as a familiar presence at the rink who was infectiously positive, always smiling and insanely creative. The Prince George Youth Volleyball Club recalled her lasting impact on the sport in the city, noting that she had started as a high school player, joined Team B.C., competed at the varsity level at Capilano University in North Vancouver, and later returned to coach with the club. The volleyball club post said she would be remembered for her smile, her laugh and the way she made those around her feel.
Ongoing Investigation
RCMP in Prince George confirmed to Global News that the Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation. The TSB has stated that the plane made the emergency landing after losing power on one engine, a point reported by both CBC and Global News.
CBC included comments from former TSB investigator Bill Yearwood, who questioned what caused the aircraft to come down given that the Beech King Air 200 is designed to be capable of flying on a single engine. Sekani Air Ltd., the registered owner of the plane, declined to comment, according to CBC. The investigation remains active as authorities examine the circumstances of the power loss and the subsequent landing on the busy boulevard.