REGINA — A Regina resident was one of 241 passengers killed in the Air India crash.
On June 12, an Air India flight heading to London, UK, crashed shortly after takeoff. Of those on the plane, only one person managed to survive, per reports.
On Friday, the Gujarati Samaj of Saskatchewan Inc. (GSSK) on their Facebook page confirmed the death of Piyushkumar Patel, a Regina resident.
A GoFundMe page created by his friends and family described Piyushkumara as a “devoted father, caring husband, and beloved member of the South Regina, Saskatchewan community.”
“He worked tirelessly to give his family a better life and a brighter future. His kindness, humility, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew him in both India and Canada,” the GoFundMe added.
The page also confirmed Piyushkumar went to India for personal reasons. He leaves behind his wife, Ruchita Patel, and two daughters.
Community support has flooded in for the Patel family, as the GoFundMe has raised nearly $29,000 as of 2 p.m.
Along with Piyushkuma, Canadian Nirali Patel from Mississauga, Ont. was also killed in the plane crash.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement on his X saying he’s “devastated.”
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of everyone on board,” he added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X said the loss of lives in a sudden manner is heartbreaking.
“Condolences to all the bereaved families. We understand their pain and also know that the void left behind will be felt for years to come,” said Modi.
Investigators are currently looking into the cause of the accident.
