Marking a year since the loss of its flight 280 in Fond Du Lac Saskatchewan, West Wind Aviation recognizes those who gave freely of themselves, putting aside their personal wellbeing, to help the survivors of the downed flight. Thanks to the quick response and actions of everyday people, no one perished that night, one, however, would later succumb to his injuries.
"Most importantly, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with everyone affected by ill-fated West Wind flight 280," said West Wind's new Chief Executive Officer, Michael Rodyniuk who took over the company three months ago. "We are especially saddened by the loss of Arson Fern Jr., a passenger who passed away in hospital two weeks after the accident."
(Photo Transportation Safety Board of Canada) |
The ATR-42 airliner lifted off Fond Du Lac airport on the night of December 13, 2017, just after 6PM. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board is continuing their investigation into what happened next, causing the aircraft to crash just seconds after takeoff.
West Wind recognized the "heroes" whose efforts it says saved lives. Among them, Flight Attendant Jenny Tait, the Canadian Rangers, able passengers, family members, the community of Fond Du Lac, a passenger physician who while injured on board the downed aircraft immediately cared for those seriously injured, the Chief and Council of Fond Du Lac First Nation and many more who simply prefer not to be named.