Latest news with #JamieGreenlawMeek
The Sun
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
This Morning star's family confirm they died on tragic Air India crash as they share heartbreaking statement on the show
THE family of a This Morning star have confirmed he tragically passed away during the devastating Air India plane crash. The disaster on the London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Ahmedabad saw the deaths of 279 passengers and airport staff last week. 7 7 7 The jet appeared to lose height moments after take-off and smashed into a doctor's hostel in Ahmedabad, India. Some 241 passengers and crew are believed to have been killed - leaving a miracle sole survivor - and 28 people on the ground also died. Now This Morning anchors Ben Shephard, 50, and Cat Deeley, 48, have confirmed show star Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek and husband his husband Jamie Greenlaw-Meek have sadly passed away during the incident. It came after a chilling final video showing them at the airport resurfaced. Fiongal, 39, appeared twice on the ITV daytime show earlier this year, discussing the healthy lifestyle company he founded with his husband Jamie, 45. On Tuesday's This Morning, Cat opened the episode with the heart-wrenching tribute. She said: "We'd like to start by taking a moment to send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek who tragically lost their lives in the Air India crash on Thursday." Her ITV co-host Ben continued: "Yeah, as more details continue to emerge from the devastating tragedy their loved ones have asked us to share a statement on their behalf." He then read the document which said: "It is with profound sadness and unimaginable heartbreak that we confirm both Jamie and Fiongal were passengers on the Air India flight that has tragically crashed in India. "They were a bright light in so many of our lives, deeply loved as sons, brothers and friends, their warmth, kindness, humour and generous spirits touched everyone who knew them. New footage has emerged of the moment miracle Brit Vishwash Ramesh calmly walked away from the Air India horror "We are all beyond devastated by the news and are struggling to come to terms with the potential of a live without them. "They would want us to spread positive energy to the world and especially at this time, may peace and love prevail, where there is darkness spread light, love and laughter." Ben then shared the ITV daytime hosts' direct experience with the pair, and commented: "We were lucky enough to spend some time with both of them, Fiongal on the show of course, Jamie behind the scenes." Cat then added: "Yeah, just absolutely charming gentlemen who were so positive. Visit our This Morning page for the latest updates "I've still got my Palo Santo that he gave me and rosemary that I burn," before Ben added he had kept his "care package" from the pair. He added: "It was heartbreaking those lives of those two men that were so full of joy, wonderful souls, were tragically lost." Jamie and Fiongal, who lived in London and ran the wellness brand the Wellness Foundry, had been in India for about 10 days on a wellness retreat. Although Jamie had been to India before, this was their first trip as a couple since marrying in 2022. They lived together in Ramsgate, Kent. FINAL SCENES Jamie and Fiongal were among the passengers who passed away when the flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, bound for Gatwick. In their chilling final clip filmed at Ahmedabad airport, Fiongal and Jamie, dressed in floral shirts and visibly happy, reflect on their trip. Fiongal says: 'We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?' Jamie responds: 'I don't know,' prompting Fiongal's laughter and a teasing, 'Thanks for your contribution.' Fiongal jokes that his main lesson was 'don't lose your patience with your partner,' to which Jamie smiles and replies, 'You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.' Passengers mill in the background as Fiongal adds, 'I'm going back to Britain happily, happily calm.' This Morning previously paid tribute to Fiongal during Friday's broadcast. Dermot O'Leary said: 'We are starting today with the tragic flight disaster dominating the news this morning. Sadly, one of those believed to have lost his life is Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek.' Co-presenter Alison Hammond added: 'Of the 242 people on board, 241 lost their lives, including 52 from the UK, making it the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since the 9/11 attacks.' Martin Frizell, former editor of This Morning, posted a touching tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of Fiongal smiling alongside Ben and Cat. He wrote: 'So, so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. "I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. "And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. "Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' 7 7 7 7
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Made In Chelsea's Alex Mytton pays tribute to close friends killed in tragic Air India plane crash
Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton has paid tribute to two of his close friends who killed in the tragic Air India plane crash. London-based couple Fiongal and Jamie Greenlaw-Meek are among those who lost their lives in the tragedy this week. An Air India passenger plane bound for London's Gatwick airport crashed shortly after taking off in Ahmedabad, western India, on Thursday. Of its 242 passengers on board, there is believed to be only one survivor, British man Ajay Kumar Vishwash, who walked away with minor injuries after jumping from the jet. In the wake of the incident, Alex, 34, shared an emotional message via his Instagram Story, paying tribute to his friends Fiongal, 39, and Jamie, 45, who had been travelling in India. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Alex wrote: 'A bit lost for words and feeling a tad emotionally exhausted, so I just want to write a short message so as to get the message out. 'Our lovely friends Fiongal & Jamie were very sadly killed yesterday in the plane crash in India.' Tagging his girlfriend Hannah Wood, Alex continued: 'There's a lot more I want to say about them, as they were very close to @Hannah_woood & I's heart, 'But right now I just wanted to say that if anybody wants to meet up tomorrow if they're feeling heavy, sad or just wanna hang out with some other humans I'm gonna be organising a little meet up & hug in the park or along the lines (sorry not making loads of sense atm). 'It feels like there's a lot of sadness and pain at the moment and just wanted to do something as a vigil to our friends but also for everything else going on at the moment. 'So please if you're feeling down or even just up for hanging out or just saying hey, it'll be a bunch of us just chatting and chilling in the park.' This Morning hosts Alison Hammond, 50, and Dermot O'Leary, 52, also paid tribute to the couple at the beginning of Friday's show. Referencing Fiongal's appearances as a guest on the show, Dermot said: 'We loved his energy that he brought to the studio.' In the wake of the incident, Alex, 34, shared an emotional message via his Instagram Story, paying tribute to his friends Fiongal, 39, and Jamie, 45, who had been travelling in India Former This Morning producer Martin Frizell also posted a tribute, sharing a photo of Fiongal alongside then-hosts Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50 He went on to explain how Fiongal was on board the plane with husband Jamie, finishing: 'Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by this terrible tragedy.' Former This Morning producer Martin Frizell also posted a tribute, sharing a photo of Fiongal alongside then-hosts Cat Deeley, 48, and Ben Shephard, 50. Martin wrote: 'So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick,' 'I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. 'And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' Before boarding the plane, Fiongal and Jamie shared a video from the airport gate to their Instagram account, The Wellness Foundry. Fiongal said: 'We are at the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India,'
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ramsgate Pride to pay tribute to couple killed in plane crash
A minute's silence is being held at Ramsgate Pride to pay tribute to a couple who were among the 53 Britons killed when an Air India flight bound for Gatwick crashed on and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, aged 45 and 39 respectively, were on the AI171 flight which crashed shortly after take off from Ahmedabad couple were founders of the Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate, Kent and London, and were due to host a wellbeing workshop at Ramsgate Pride on Taylor, assistant manager for Ramsgate Pride, described the couple as "brilliant" as they "brought a lot of peace and healing in their spiritual practice to Ramsgate". "They were really vibrant people and I will be performing a song dedicated to them."Ms Taylor added the event organisers aim to make it a "beautiful event dedicated" to the Moran, from Ramsgate Pride, told BBC she had not "processed" what had happened as she had spoken to Jamie and Fiongal's plans for Saturday's event before their death."They were passionate about promoting spirituality and they were keen to make a bigger wellbeing zone. They were really excited about Pride." A representative for Ramsgate Pride paid tribute to the couple on social media, posting they were "absolutely heartbroken" over the "devastating loss" of Jamie and Fiongal."Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time."Moments before the couple boarded the flight, they had posted a video of their stay in India. Jamie grew up in Birmingham before moving to Liverpool when he was 12 and relocated to Coventry four years where Jamie attended school from the age of 16, said they were "saddened" by his "tragic loss". Air India confirmed there was only one survivor from the crash, which is one of the deadliest on record in terms of the number of British nationals civil aviation minister says a black box has been found at the Air India plane crash site in Pride will hold the minute's silence for the couple at about 11:30 BST on Saturday.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Ramsgate wellness couple among those killed on Air India flight
Tributes have been paid to a couple who were among the 53 Britons killed after an Air India flight bound for London crashed on and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, aged 45 and 39 respectively, were among the 242 on board the flight which crashed soon after taking off from Ahmedabad India has confirmed there was only one survivor from the crash, which is one of the deadliest on record in terms of the number of British nationals cause remains unknown and investigators are still searching for the two black boxes that will provide more details. Follow live coverageWhat we know so far about Air India flight AI171?Who were the victims?What could have caused Air India plane to crash in 30 seconds?Jamie and Fiongal ran The Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate, in Kent, and were due to be hosting workshops at Ramsgate Pride on Saturday. Event organisers said on Instagram that they were "absolutely heartbroken" by the Moran, from Ramsgate Pride, shared plans for a tribute to the couple."After the march, we're going to do a minute's silence because our community stage is down by the beach, which is where they loved," she told BBC South grew up in Birmingham before moving to Liverpool at the age of 12 and then to Coventry four years where Jamie attended school from the age of 16, said they were "saddened" by his "tragic loss".Former principal, Elizabeth McConnell, said Jamie "lit up the room with his smile and I'm sure will be remembered and missed by so many".Fiongal, from London, founded The Wellness Foundry in 2018 with Jamie joining as a managing director five years pair posted a video to social media on their last night in India, where Fiongal reflected on a "magical experience".A family who lived in Gloucester were among the other British nationals thought to have Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa were all on board the Taju, his wife Hasina, and their son-in-law, Altafhusen Patel - who all lived in London - were also passengersOf the 242 passengers and crew on board the plane, there were 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals and one sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh who sat in seat 11A, is recovering in hospital. His brother has said that he "has no idea how he survived".Families are currently giving DNA samples to help identify the remainder of the least eight people who were not on the Air India plane have also died in the crash, a senior health official in Ahmedabad has told the BBC.
The Independent
12-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
Hundreds killed in Air India disaster as Gatwick flight crashes after take-off – but one Briton is ‘sole survivor'
Hundreds of people are dead after an Air India flight destined for London crashed moments after it took off and crashed into a building on Thursday, in the world's worst aviation disaster in a decade. However, one passenger, a British man visiting family, appears to have miraculously survived. The airline said 241 people were killed when the Boeing Dreamliner bound for Gatwick came down in a residential area in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad. There had been 242 people on board, including 11 children and 12 crew members. Among the passengers were 169 Indians, 53 British people, seven Portuguese citizens and one Canadian. Downing Street warned that the British public should be prepared for a significant loss of British lives, and MP Bob Blackman said some of his constituents in London had been notified of the deaths of their relatives. A British family of three who were killed were Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee, from Gloucester, and their four-year-old daughter, Sara. Abdullah Samad, headteacher of Sara's primary school, said she was a 'ray of sunshine' and that her parents were known for their charity work. A British couple who ran a spiritual wellness company were also among the victims. Jamie Ray Greenlaw-Meek and his husband Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, from London, were returning home after a 10-day retreat, their family said. Plumes of smoke billowed from the crash site after the plane erupted into a huge fireball when it struck a medical college not far from the airport. Some medical students in the building jumped to escape just before the plane hit. Emergency services rushed to douse the charred wreckage, as well as several surrounding multi-storey buildings. As the emergency effort continued into Thursday evening more than 200 bodies had been removed from the crash site. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft took off from Ahmedabad airport at 1.38pm local time (9.08am BST), but crashed just moments later. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the flight made a mayday call to air-traffic control, but there was no response to subsequent calls made by controllers to the aircraft. Vidhi Chaudhary, a top state police officer, initially said 294 people were dead, including students in the building that was hit, but later revised the death toll down to more than 240, after it was realised that body parts had led to some double-counting. 'We are still verifying the number of dead, including those killed in the building where the plane crashed,' she said. Ramila, the mother of one, said her son had gone to the hostel for his lunch break when the plane crashed. 'My son is safe, and I have spoken to him. He jumped from the second floor, so he suffered some injuries,' she said. The dead included Vijay Rupani, the former chief minister of Gujarat state, of which Ahmedabad is the main city. Relatives have been asked to give DNA samples to identify the dead, state health secretary Dhananjay Dwivedi said. The cause of the tragedy has yet to be established but investigations are under way. US aerospace safety consultant Anthony Brickhouse said videos showed that the landing gear was down at a phase of flight when it would typically be up. A formal investigation has been initiated by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, Indian civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said. 'The government is constituting a high-level committee comprising experts from multiple disciplines to examine the matter in detail,' he said. The sole survivor was 40-year-old Briton Viswashkumar Ramesh, who told local media how the disaster unfolded. 'Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed,' Mr Ramesh told the Hindustan Times, which showed a boarding pass for seat 11A in his name. 'It all happened so quickly,' he told the paper from his hospital bed. 'When I got up, there were bodies all around me. I was scared. I stood up and ran. There were pieces of the plane all around me. Someone grabbed hold of me and put me in an ambulance and brought me to the hospital.' Three of the Britons who died in the crash were identified by the Gloucester Muslim Community as Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa and their four-year-old daughter Sara. The flight was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a Line Training Captain with 8,200 hours of flying experience, and First Officer Clive Kundar, who had logged 1,100 hours. There were 10 other crew members on board the flight. A team of US experts will travel to India to help with the investigation, America's National Transportation Safety Board said. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said the crash had 'stunned and saddened' the country. 'It is heartbreaking beyond words. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it,' he wrote. UK political leaders have also expressed their heartbreak after the Air India flight bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said 'the scenes emerging of a London-bound plane carrying many British nationals crashing in the Indian city of Ahmedabad are devastating', adding he was being kept updated as the situation develops. Foreign secretary David Lammy said he was deeply saddened by the news, and the UK was working with authorities in India 'to urgently establish the facts and provide support'. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said it was 'heartbreaking' news. The King said he and Queen Camilla had been 'desparately shocked'. 'Our special prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with the families and friends of all those affected by this appallingly tragic incident across so many nations, as they await news of their loved ones,' King Charles wrote. Condolences poured in from other leaders around the world. 'We share your shock and grief on this tragic day. We all pray for as many lives to be saved as possible and wish a speedy recovery to those injured,' Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said. US president Donald Trump called the crash 'terrible' and the US government said the Federal Aviation Administration was working with Boeing and aircraft engine-maker GE Aerospace in the investigation. India's civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu inspected the crash site on Thursday evening, and said it was a 'deeply distressing' scene. 'We're doing everything we can to support the victims and their families in this tragic hour,' he wrote. Ahmedabad Airport, which suspended all flight operations after the crash, said it was operational again but with limited flights. The last fatal plane crash in India, the world's third-largest aviation market, was in 2020 and involved Air India Express, the airline's low-cost arm. Boeing said it was in contact with Air India and working to gather more information about what had happened. Boeing shares fell 5% as the crash posed a major setback for the planemaker as its new CEO looks to rebuild trust following a series of safety and production challenges. Families in India with concerns should call Air India on 1800 5691 444. For those outside India, call the British Foreign Office on 020 7008 5000
