Dr. Prateek Joshi, a dedicated NHS doctor, and his family tragically perished in an Air India crash, leaving a community in shock.
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Today, the community is reeling from the devastating news of Dr. Prateek Joshi, his wife Komi Vyas, and their three young children, who lost their lives in a tragic plane crash. The family was aboard an Air India flight that ended in disaster shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad.
This horrific incident has left not just a void in their family but also in the hearts of those who knew them.
A promising future, cut short
Dr. Joshi, 43, had built a life in Derby as a radiologist at the Royal Derby Hospital for four years.
He had dreams of starting anew with his family, who were traveling back to the UK to settle down. Just before the flight took off, the family shared a selfie on social media, smiling and full of hope, unaware of the tragedy that awaited them. Friends and colleagues describe Dr. Joshi as a warm and kind individual, always putting others first.
Community reactions
The grief is palpable. Dr. Rajeev Singh, a former colleague, expressed disbelief at the loss. “It’s hard to accept that someone so full of life has been taken from us,” he said. The loss is not just professional but deeply personal for those who worked alongside him. Singh noted, “His spirit and warmth will be missed every day.”
At Derby’s Geeta Bhawan Hindu temple, Dr. Vivekanand Sharma recalled the kindness of Dr. Joshi. “He was always looking to help others,” Sharma shared. “Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Tributes pour in
As news of the crash spread, tributes began flooding in. Dr. Deepak Pundaleekappa Kaladagi, a close friend from medical school, expressed his sorrow on social media. “Rest in peace, Dr. Prateek Joshi and family,” he posted, highlighting the family’s dreams of a new life in the UK. “Fate had other plans,” he lamented.
Dr. Joshi was not just a doctor; he was a passionate individual who had recently discovered the joys of walking in the Peak District and indulging in the local cuisine. Colleagues say he brought a vibrant energy to the workplace, often sharing stories of his adventures outside the hospital.
A neighbor’s heartache
Neil Ryan, who lived next door to the Joshi family, shared his heartbreak. “It’s absolutely devastating. You don’t expect something like this to hit so close to home,” he said. Ryan remembered the family fondly, describing them as “a wonderful, beautiful family.” He recounted moments of joy and laughter that resonated within their shared walls. “When they left, they brought us goodies as a farewell. Just the kindest family you could ever meet.”
The aftermath of the tragedy
As more details about the crash emerge, the impact on the community grows. Paul Stewart, another local resident, reflected on the profound sadness that has engulfed Derby. “To think of those young children on that flight… it’s unimaginable,” he said, emphasizing the need for support for the affected families.
The loss extends beyond personal grief; it has shaken the foundations of a community that rallied around Dr. Joshi and his family. Stephen Posey, chief executive of University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, expressed the collective sorrow, stating, “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our talented colleague. He will be sorely missed.”
A lasting legacy
In the wake of this tragedy, the community is left to grapple with a mix of grief and admiration for a family that shone brightly in the lives of many. Dr. Joshi’s commitment to his profession and his unwavering kindness will be remembered. As the shock settles, the question remains: how do we honor those we’ve lost? The stories shared by friends and colleagues will weave a tapestry of remembrance, ensuring that Dr. Joshi and his family are never forgotten.
