BREAKING NEWS: Tragedy in the Skies — Beloved Hockey Manager and Family Killed in Plane Crash
Toronto, ON — May 8, 2025
The hockey world is in mourning today following the heartbreaking news that David Lorne, General Manager of the Toronto Icehawks, was killed in a plane crash late Wednesday evening along with his wife and two young children.
The Lorne family was traveling aboard a private twin-engine Beechcraft en route to a quiet family retreat in northern Ontario. Just 22 minutes after takeoff from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft. Hours later, rescue teams discovered wreckage in a dense forest near Parry Sound. All four passengers were confirmed dead at the scene.
David Lorne, 47, had served as GM of the Icehawks for the past six seasons, guiding the team through a transformative era marked by playoff success and a renewed fanbase. He was widely regarded as a strategic genius and a beloved figure both on and off the ice.
His wife, Emily Lorne, 44, was a local children’s book author and community volunteer. Their children, Noah (13) and Sophie (9), were known to frequent games at the IceDome and had become cherished faces among staff and fans.
In an emotional statement released early Thursday morning, Icehawks President Mark Keating said:
> “David was more than a manager — he was the soul of our organization. His family was our family. This tragedy cuts deeper than we can express. We have lost a leader, a mentor, and most devastating of all, a loving father and husband.”
Flags outside the IceDome were lowered to half-staff before dawn, and a growing crowd of fans gathered at the arena to lay flowers, jerseys, and messages of condolence. The team has suspended all activities indefinitely.
Prime Minister Amelia Novak also addressed the tragedy during a morning briefing, calling the loss “a blow not just to the sports community, but to the nation.”
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has launched a full investigation into the crash. Weather conditions at the time were reportedly clear, and there was no immediate indication of mechanical failure. Officials say the investigation may take weeks.
As the hockey world reels, tributes continue to pour in from across North America. NHL players, coaches, and rival GMs have flooded social media with memories of Lorne’s leadership and kindness.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday evening at the IceDome.
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