The tragic crash near Montreal leaves a community grieving
On Saturday, September 26, a rotorcraft descended sharply in a field near Sainte‑Brigide‑d’Iberville, roughly fifty kilometres from Montreal, resulting in the fatal loss of four individuals. Among the deceased were the pilot, Suzanne Jutras, and a tightly knit family group seeking to celebrate what was meant to be a joyful occasion. The incident was documented on social media platforms where witnesses shared their harrowing experiences and conveyed deep sorrow.
Casualties and scenes of devastation
Océane Perreault recounted how a helicopter journey originally intended to mark her mother’s birthday transformed into unimaginable tragedy. Her mother, Chantal Raymond, together with her partner Gabriel Jasmin and her brother Loucas Perreault, perished in the crash. The Perreault household, which includes a young daughter, was left with irreplaceable losses in an instant. Gabriel Jasmin, who served as host at the radio station Énergie Sherbrooke, described the moment of collision with emotional intensity, stating that there were no words capable of conveying the pain, shock, and void experienced that evening.
The agricultural community also mourned significantly when pilot Suzanne Jutras lost her life. Local unions and civic groups paid tribute to her contributions, noting her role in delivering aerial tours that drew crowds to events such as the Félixeries festival held earlier in the month. The festival itself honoured Jutras as its favourite pilot, a distinction earned through her reliability and skill across multiple appearances during the celebration.
Investigations underway amid calls for accountability
Federal aviation safety authorities have dispatched investigators to the crash site to determine the cause of the accident. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, represented by spokeswoman Nic Defalco, confirmed that the airframe was recovered from the charred wreckage and that forensic analysis of the remains has concluded. The board indicated that the helicopter encountered unknown difficulties around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, prompting immediate emergency responses and a comprehensive examination of operational procedures.
Transport Canada minister Steven MacKinnon extended his condolences to the bereaved, pledging official support for the family and committing his department to close monitoring of the situation. In a statement posted on social media, he affirmed that the safety of civil aviation represents the premier priority for Transport Canada, declaring that the authority would continue to follow developments closely and remain ready to cooperate with all relevant parties as the inquiry progresses.
Community impact and ongoing remembrance
