A ballroom dancing professional who took part in the debut season of “Dancing with the Stars” has disclosed that she was among the survivors of the fatal Air Canada aircraft crash at LaGuardia Airport that claimed the lives of two pilots and left dozens wounded.
Charlotte Jørgensen, 54, who danced with John O’Hurley during the reality show’s first season, recounted the traumatic incident through a heartfelt Instagram message posted on Sunday, March 29, 2026, over a week following the crash of Air Canada Flight 8646 into a fire vehicle on the tarmac at the New York facility.
Jørgensen stated that she had gotten on the plane following “a fabulous weekend in Montreal” and acknowledged the two pilots for preserving her life. She conveyed profound appreciation to Captain Antoine Forest and First Officer Mackenzie Gunther, noting they “made the ultimate sacrifice so that we all could live.”
The incident took place on March 22 when the CRJ-900 jet transporting 72 passengers and four crew members collided with a Port Authority fire vehicle on Runway 4 during landing. The impact represented the first deadly incident at LaGuardia Airport in 34 years—the previous one happening on the identical date in 1992, when USAir Flight 405 went down during departure and resulted in 27 fatalities.
The fire vehicle had been dispatching to investigate reports of an odor on a separate United Airlines aircraft when the impact happened. Per the NTSB, the fire vehicle lacked a transponder to assist air traffic controllers in identifying its exact position. The aircraft hit the vehicle at over 100 miles per hour, destroying the plane’s cockpit and front galley areas.
Both pilots perished instantly. Forty-one individuals—including passengers, crew, and two Port Authority officers inside the fire vehicle—were taken to medical facilities. Thirty-two were discharged soon after, while nine suffered severe injuries and continued hospitalization. Two flight attendants were among those injured; one was thrown from the plane while remaining secured to her seat.
U.S.-based aviation safety expert Anthony Brickhouse said it was “miraculous” that more passengers didn’t perish, given the severity of the crash.
The professional dancer disclosed that while shock and adrenaline shielded her right after the incident, the recovery period has been challenging. “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 wrote.
Jørgensen informed her followers she is currently recuperating at her residence with her husband Nelson and daughter Vivianna providing care. She expressed appreciation to supporters and her “Dancing with the Stars” community for their encouragement throughout this challenging period.
Lisa O’Hurley, wife of Jørgensen’s previous dance partner John O’Hurley, responded to the message conveying relief. She mentioned that her son Will is currently a pilot, making the incident particularly impactful for her household.
Jørgensen participated in the first season of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2005, teaming up with actor John O’Hurley, most recognized for portraying J. Peterman on “Seinfeld.” The duo placed second but subsequently won a special “rematch” broadcast after supporters claimed the initial voting was unjust. They also performed together at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards that year. Jørgensen came back to the ballroom for the program’s “20th Birthday Party” broadcast in November 2025, performing in the opening sequence with other season one professionals.
The crash remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described Forest and Gunther as “two young men at the start of their careers,” calling their deaths “an absolute tragedy.” President Trump called the crash “terrible” and referred to the aviation industry as “a dangerous business.”
Investigators are reviewing flight data recorders, surveillance video, and air traffic control communications to establish precisely what caused the impact. The NTSB has expressed concerns regarding staffing protocols, observing that one controller was managing multiple positions during the incident. Audio recordings documented a controller seemingly blaming himself moments following the collision, saying, “I messed up.”
Passengers aboard the aircraft have commended the pilots’ last actions. One survivor reported to the media the pilot “hit the brakes as hard as he could” upon seeing the fire truck. Despite the devastating damage to the plane, the overwhelming majority of individuals aboard lived.
Two Port Authority officers inside the impacted fire vehicle sustained broken bones and were taken to medical facilities in serious but non-life-threatening condition.
As Jørgensen commences her recovery from the ordeal—both physical and emotional—she requested patience from supporters and the media. The dancer stated she would be taking an extended hiatus to concentrate on healing, conveying appreciation for the tremendous support she has encountered.
The incident represents the most severe aviation accident at LaGuardia Airport in over three decades and has heightened examination of runway safety procedures and air traffic control staffing at one of the country’s busiest airports.
