Updated at 2:06 p.m.
Two of the four people killed when an Ornge helicopter crashed near Moosonee early this morning were from Northern Ontario, Ornge said in a news release.
Capt. Don Filliter, of Skead, is the husband of a Health Sciences North employee, said a hospital spokesperson. They had three children together.
“It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the deaths of four of our health-care colleagues at Ornge,” HSN said in a news release. “At HSN, we are grieved by this loss. We worked with them every day. They were our partners in front-line health care. They were our friends.
“All of us at HSN want to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Capt. Don Filliter. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this very difficult time.”
Primary care flight paramedics Dustin Dagenais, of Moose Factory, also died. Dagenais is the nephew of a Registered Practical Nurse who works in one of HSN's nephrology satellite clinics across northeastern Ontario.
First officer Jacques Dupuy, of Otterburn-Park, Que., was the second pilot killed. Also killed in the crash was and Chris Snowball, of Burlington.
Greater Sudbury Mayor Marianne Matichuk also offered her sympathies to the families of the four helicopter crew.
This is a reminder of the important role that first responders play in our community and of the risks they take every day in the selfless service they provide communities, said Matichuk.
“This is a sad day for our city, and for all of Northern Ontario” Mayor Matichuk said. “On behalf City staff and Council, I ask that we keep the victims, their families and friends in our minds in the coming days and weeks.”
The crash happened at about 12:11 a.m. after the Sikorsky S76 helicopter departed from the Ornge Moosonee base. The two pilots and two paramedics were en route to Attawapiskat to transport a patient.
Contact was lost with the aircraft shortly after takeoff. Immediately, efforts began in relation to overdue and missing aircraft procedures. There was no patient on board the aircraft at the time.
At this time there is no indication what caused the accident. It will be investigated by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Ornge will co-operate fully with the investigation team.
Premier Kathleen Wynne issued the following statement:
“I am devastated to learn of the deaths of two pilots and two paramedics following the crash of an Ornge air ambulance near Moosonee. The pilots and paramedics of Ornge provide lifesaving services in every region of this province, and my thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these brave individuals.
“They lost their lives ensuring the people of this province receive the help they need. Their service and sacrifice will be honoured and remembered.”
Original story
Two pilots and two paramedics are dead after an Ornge helicopter crashed in Northern Ontario early this morning.
The helicopter was flying between Moosonee and Attawapiskat, according to media reports.
Ornge verified the deaths this morning in a press release.
“It is with deep regret that Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services, confirms there are no survivors of an accident early this morning involving one of its air ambulance helicopters."
Four members of Ornge’s staff were on board the aircraft: two pilots and two paramedics. No patients were on board. Families have been notified.
“Everybody at Ornge is deeply saddened by this tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives. We will do whatever we can to support them at this difficult time. We will also co-operate fully with the authorities charged investigating the accident,” said Dr. Andrew McCallum, President and CEO of Ornge.
Further details will be made available at a media conference to be held later today.
