Natalie Gillis Albany NY Death: Natalie Gillis, a 34-year-old Canadian pilot has died in an Aviation accident and incident. Natalie was a pilot, photographer, poet and wilderness guide. Her brother, Matthew Yap, confirmed Gillis’ death in a Facebook post Tuesday. “I don’t know what to say. I’m still overwhelmed with grief,” Yap stated in a reply to an email from the Times Union requesting comment. “I’d like to thank the first responders, coroner, and NTSB for all their work, condolences, and support.”
How Did Natalie Gillis Die?
Natalie Gillis, a 34-year-old pilot, photographer, poet and wilderness guide was the sole victim in Monday’s plane crash. Natalie Gillis, of Calgary, was the pilot of the twin-engine Piper PA 31 Navajo aircraft that crashed less than two minutes after takeoff from Albany International Airport.
Natalie Gillis Career
Natalie, graduated from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, in 2013 with a degree in Environmental Governance and Political Science. Natalie’s evolution to becoming a pilot was put in motion when she began a career as a wilderness guide working as an intern for an outfitter after falling in love with kayaking.
In 2019, she sailed the Southern Ocean. She was hired as a sea-kayak guide to accompany a 60-foot sailboat crossing through the Drake Passage on its way to Antarctica. She self-published a book of poetry, “This Is Where Atlantis Sank,” chronicling her journey, according to the KMC profile.
She joined Quebec-based KASI Aviation Services as a pilot in September 2023 and recently spent time surveying rainforests as part of an environmental conservation project. Gillis was certified as an airline transport pilot, the highest level of certification a pilot can reach.
Tributes
”It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved daughter, sister, and friend, Natalie Gillis. Natalie tragically passed away on June 17, 2024 in Albany, New York, doing what she loved. We invite you to join us in celebrating her life on Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 1:00-3:00pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes, 6191 Yonge St, Toronto. Feel free to share these details with those who may wish to pay their respects. We know that Natalie was loved by many, so please bring any stories, memories, and pictures that you have with her to the celebration life. We will compile them into a book and send a pdf to those who are interested. For those who cannot attend the celebration of life, or if there is anything you would like to be included, they can be sent to her brother, Matthew at: sapperyap@hotmail.com. We look forward to honouring her beautiful spirit with you all. Natalie leaves us all way too soon, but hers was a life truly well lived. We kindly ask for no flowers, as there will already be her favourite roses. Thank you.” Matthew
Sad to hear about the NY plane crash Monday that took the life of Natalie Gillis from Calgary Alberta Canada. She had been in Fayetteville NC flying missions for Canada based KASI Aviation.
