The hydroplane pilot who suffered a terrible flight at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Regatta last Sunday died Tuesday evening. François Leroux was reportedly stuck in the water under his racing car for several minutes after the accident.
The pilot lost control of his aircraft during the consolation final of the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Regatta on Sunday afternoon. Carried away by gusts of wind, the hydroplane spun through the air before falling back into the waters of Saint-François Bay, in front of the public.
François Leroux was stuck underwater, still on board his aircraft, the H-447. Miss OMGfor long minutes.
The pilot died at 4:47 p.m. Tuesday, his family announced in a Facebook post. “Have a safe trip, we will miss you. We love you,” it read.
The Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Regatta organization offered its condolences to the pilot’s family and loved ones in a press release. [Nos] Our thoughts also go to the nautical and medical teams and the security brigade who were present during the accident,” said the organization of the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Regattas in a press release.