A ballroom dancing professional from 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, age 54, who danced with John O’Hurley on the reality program’s first season, described the terrifying ordeal in a heartfelt Instagram message posted 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 aviation facility.
Jørgensen stated that she had gotten on the plane following “a fabulous weekend in Montreal” and gave credit to the two pilots for preserving her life. She conveyed profound appreciation for 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 airplane transporting 72 passengers and four crew members collided with a Port Authority fire truck on Runway 4 during landing. The impact represented the first deadly accident 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 deaths.
The fire truck had been dispatching to address reports of an odor on board a separate United Airlines flight when the impact happened. Based on NTSB findings, the fire truck lacked a transponder to assist air traffic controllers in determining its exact location. The aircraft hit the vehicle at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, destroying the plane’s cockpit and forward galley areas.
Both pilots were killed instantly. Forty-one individuals—comprising passengers, crew members, and two Port Authority officers in the fire truck—were taken to medical facilities. Thirty-two were discharged soon thereafter, while nine suffered serious injuries and continued hospitalization. Two flight attendants numbered among the wounded; one was thrown from the plane while still 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 although shock and adrenaline shielded her right after the crash, the following 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 followers she is currently recuperating at home with her husband Nelson and daughter Vivianna looking after her. She expressed appreciation to fans and her “Dancing with the Stars” family for their encouragement throughout this challenging period.
Lisa O’Hurley, spouse of Jørgensen’s previous dance partner John O’Hurley, responded to the post showing relief. She mentioned that her son Will is currently a pilot, causing the tragedy to resonate particularly deeply for her family.
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 claimed victory in a special “rematch” episode following fan allegations that the initial voting was unjust. They also made a joint appearance at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards that year. Jørgensen came back to the ballroom for the show’s “20th Birthday Party” episode in November 2025, performing in the opening number with other season one pros.
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 collision. The NTSB has expressed concerns regarding staffing procedures, observing that one controller was managing multiple positions during the crash. Audio recordings documented a controller seemingly blaming himself minutes following the collision, saying, “I messed up.”
Passengers aboard the flight have commended the pilots’ final actions. One survivor informed the media the pilot “hit the brakes as hard as he could” upon seeing the fire truck. Notwithstanding the catastrophic damage to the aircraft, the overwhelming majority of individuals on board lived.
Two Port Authority officers in the struck fire truck experienced broken bones and were taken to hospitals in serious but non-life-threatening condition.
As Jørgensen starts recovering from the trauma—both physical and emotional—she requested understanding from fans and the media. The dancer stated she would be taking an extended break to concentrate on healing, conveying gratitude for the abundance of support she has gotten.
The incident represents the most severe aviation accident at LaGuardia Airport in over three decades and has heightened examination of runway safety protocols and air traffic control staffing at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
