Couple Among Plane Crash Victims Celebrated Baby Shower Before Tragedy

A heartbreaking event unfolded when a pregnant woman and her husband perished in an Air India plane crash, leaving behind a story of love and family cut short. The couple, who were joyfully anticipating their first child, had celebrated a baby shower just days before the devastating incident.

Couple’s Joyful Celebration

Vaibhav Patel, 29, and his 27-year-old wife, Jinal Goswami, lost their lives in the Air India plane crash. The couple, who were living in Croydon, London, had recently relocated from Southampton, Hampshire. They had traveled to Ahmedabad for their baby shower.

Nirav Patel, a close friend of the couple, shared that they were incredibly happy and excited about the upcoming birth of their child. The funeral service for the couple was held in India on Monday. The event brought together family and friends to pay their respects.

Friend’s Fond Memories

Nirav, a resident of Southampton, had known Vaibhav for over a decade, their friendship originating in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Vaibhav was described as a “good person who always supported his family and friends.” The devastating news came as a profound shock to Nirav and their entire family back in India.

“When he worked in Southampton I saw him a lot. We worked together at Papa Johns in Portswood.”

—Nirav Patel, Friend

The couple’s baby shower, held on June 5th, was a joyous occasion. Reports indicate that such tragedies can have a significant emotional impact, with nearly 1 in 5 adults experiencing symptoms of depression after a major loss (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

Remembering the Couple

Harshil Thaker, the manager of Papa John’s in Portswood, Southampton, where Vaibhav Patel had worked, remembered him as a “true gentleman” and a dedicated family man. Vaibhav was a supportive son, taking care of his family in India.

The Air India flight carried 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Authorities in India have recovered 270 bodies from the crash site. The loss of Vaibhav and Jinal, along with the unborn child, is a stark reminder of the fragility of life.