Luke MacKelvie, a 25-year-old victim of the Kananaskis plane crash, was described by his family as a selfless lover of the outdoors and a passionate Christian. MacKelvie and five of his friends were killed in the accident. He was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and hiking. MacKelvie had recently become a youth pastor and was devoted to his religion and his family. The Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. Calgary reported
The family of Luke MacKelvie, the 25-year-old victim of the tragic Kananaskis plane crash that occurred on Friday, describes him as a selfless individual who had a deep passion for the outdoors and a strong belief in his Christian faith. Along with five of his lifelong friends, MacKelvie lost his life on July 28 when their aircraft crashed in the Rockies. Exclusive discussions with CTV News revealed that the Calgarian was eagerly looking forward to marrying his fiancée, Kim. As a youth pastor, MacKelvie was known for his unwavering devotion to his religion and his loved ones. He was also an avid enthusiast of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. His father fondly remembers him as someone who always stepped up to help others and had a transformative impact on their lives. Similarly, his mother emphasized that in his short life, MacKelvie achieved more than most people do in double his time on earth. In 2019, he became a youth pastor and had recently completed a mission with the Mustard Seed in downtown Calgary. Plans are underway to hold a celebration of his life.
The devastating crash that claimed MacKelvie’s life occurred when the small aircraft he was on collided with Mount McGillivray on July 28. Four other members of his church were also tragically killed in the accident. The plane, which departed from Springbank Airport, was en route to Salmon Arm, B.C., where the passengers and pilot intended to attend a church event. Authorities from the Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the crash to determine the cause of the aircraft’s collision with the mountainside. Among the other men who lost their lives were three young fathers. Adam Laser, leaving behind a one-year-old daughter, Jacob Brown, leaving behind a four-month-old son, and Kirk Mealey, who was looking forward to the arrival of his first child, a son, in late August.
A statement from the MacKelvie family pays tribute to Luke as a beloved youth pastor from Harvest Hills Alliance Church and describes his unwavering love and support for Kim. He was a family-oriented individual, a best friend, a mentor, and a spiritual leader. Luke dedicated his life to serving God and was wholeheartedly committed to his role as a youth pastor, always going above and beyond for his students whom he deeply cared for. He was also a passionate outdoor enthusiast, engaging in activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and taking on new projects. Luke’s determination, passion, and dedication were evident in everything he pursued. He had a natural ability to find humor in any situation, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His life was dedicated to serving others and his community, and his absence will be deeply felt by those who knew him. The family takes solace in the knowledge that Luke is now with the Lord, whom he loved and devoted his life to. They kindly request that the impacted families be respected as they navigate the grieving process during this unexpected and devastating time. Luke is survived by his parents, brother, sister-in-law, nephews, and numerous close family members and friends. Additionally, he leaves behind his beloved fiancée, Kim, whom he adored and had recently proposed to..
![](https://countylocalnews.com/article1/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240727_161725_Chrome-1-587x1024.jpg)
![](https://countylocalnews.com/article1/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240727_161804_Chrome-1-583x1024.jpg)
![](https://countylocalnews.com/article1/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240727_161842_Chrome-582x1024.jpg)
![](https://countylocalnews.com/article1/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot_20240727_161453_Chrome-844x1024.jpg)