The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of the person who died as the result of a plane crash in Richmond, BC, on Oct. 27, 2011.

The deceased is Luc Fortin, aged 44, of North Vancouver. He is believed to have been the pilot of the Northern Thunderbird Air aircraft that crashed while attempting to return to Vancouver International Airport after leaving for a flight to Kelowna.

Mr. Fortin was one of 11 persons transported to hospital after the crash, which occurred shortly after 4 p.m. on Oct. 27. Despite all possible medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at Vancouver General Hospital about five hours later, at 9:10 p.m.

Mr. Fortin suffered severe fire-related injuries. As is the case in all plane crashes, an autopsy will be conducted by the Coroners Service. This is expected to occur later today.

The Coroners Service is working closely with the Transportation Safety Board to learn more about the factors that led to the crash.

The Coroners Service expresses our sympathy to the family, friends and workmates of Mr. Fortin.

Contact:

Owen Court
Regional Coroner, Vancouver-Metro Region
604 660-7718