How a Father’s Final Goodbye to His Wife Ended in a Plane Crash That Orphaned His Daughters

A British father who travelled to India to honour his late wife’s final wish was among the victims of Thursday’s deadly Air India plane crash, leaving behind two young daughters, aged four and eight.

Arjun Patoliya, 37, had journeyed to Gujarat to scatter the ashes of his wife, Bharti, who had passed away from cancer just 18 days earlier. Tragically, he lost his life when the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 people on board.

The heartbreaking story was shared through a GoFundMe campaign set up by Mr Patoliya’s employer, Inspired Elements Ltd., based in Stanmore, north-west London. The fundraiser has since garnered an outpouring of support, raising over £370,000 by Saturday afternoon to support the now-orphaned girls.

“Arjun left to bid farewell to his wife, never returned to the children they both raised,” the fundraiser read. “Now, these two beautiful young girls have been left without parents — their world turned upside down in just over two weeks.”

Mr Patoliya was described by colleagues as a dedicated worker and a beloved friend.

“We are deeply saddened to share the loss of a cherished member of our team in the recent Air India flight tragedy,” the company posted on social media. “Arjun was not just a colleague but also a dear friend. His dedication, kindness, and spirit have left a lasting mark on us all.”

Mr Patoliya was a former student of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul International School in Surat. His former school shared a tribute, stating:

“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear former student. Arjun was a cherished member of our Gurukul family, and his untimely departure is a great loss.”

The Air India flight, bound for London, crashed into a medical college hostel in a residential part of Ahmedabad. Officials said recovery teams continued to pull bodies from the wreckage into Friday evening, with the Civil Hospital confirming it had received 270 bodies. It remains unclear whether all victims were passengers or if some were on the ground.

The GoFundMe organisers stated that all donations will go into a legal trust to ensure that the children’s future is secured:

“Funds raised will provide a stable, nurturing home for the girls, ensure access to education, and establish trusted long-term care rooted in love, healing, and opportunity.”