Montreal Canadiens’ Forward Paul Byron Helps In Rescue Of Pilot Following Plane Crash

Igor Burdetskiy July 25, 2022

3 1 minute read

According to French media outlet RDS, Montreal Canadiens forward Paul Byron was out fishing with brother-in-law Neal Leblond, his father-in-law Jean Leblond and a family friend at the Les Sables reservoir in Quebec, Canada, on Saturday morning, when a seaplane crashed just a few feet from where they were fishing.

A man named Serge Labelle was also nearby on a ski jet. He was the first to reach the plane, with Byron and his brother-in-law, Neal Leblond, arriving shortly afterward.

According to Neal LeBlond’s testimony, the hydroplane violently swung towards the lake at the moment of the crash. This caused the plane to sink backwards into the water.

Paul Byron participait à une partie de pêche avec son beau-frère Neal Leblond, son beau-père Jean Leblond et un ami de la famille, Jonathan Legault, quand l’hydravion piloté par un homme s’est écrasé à quelques mètres d’eux. 😱https://t.co/9GCOWFUJzj pic.twitter.com/HuxUrn4aIa

— RDS (@RDSca) July 24, 2022

“Paul jumped into the water before me,” says Neal Leblond. There was metal everywhere, gas, the engine was hot. Paul took charge of the man. We risked our lives going into the water.”

The group then secured the pilot to bring him back to shore where authorities could be contacted.

Byron confirmed to RDS the version of the facts, but he preferred not to comment on the events out of respect for the injured pilot and his family.

Leblond also wanted to pay tribute to Serge Labelle, who he says is “the real hero” of this rescue operation. Mr. Labelle, who is a regular at the place, was able to unfasten the injured pilot’s seatbelt before getting him out of the cockpit.

According to provincial police (SQ), the pilot, who was alone on board, suffered injuries but was conscious and breathing before he was transported to hospital.

The incident is being investigated by The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB).

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!