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Patterson’s immediate family members, including his wife and two sons, were aware of the fundraiser intended to support them and to help cover expenses, including funeral costs, the post added.

As of Thursday evening, the campaign had nearly doubled the stated $10,000 goal with a total of $18,925.

The airline was offering time and resources to support employees who had been close to the accident, but said it would not provide any more details out of respect for the employee’s family and friends.

“Once again, we are profoundly saddened and offer our deepest condolences to everyone who is coping with this loss,” Avery’s statement said.

Emergency crews from the airport responded to the call and began care for the man until they were relieved by Ottawa paramedics, airport spokeswoman Krista Kealey said.

The Ottawa police East General Investigation Unit is assisting in the investigation, which is being led by the Federal Workplace Safety Board since the airport is under federal jurisdiction.

Canadian North is based in Kanata and operates flights from Ottawa, Montreal and Edmonton to serve 26 northern communities across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Nunavik.