Two young girls, aged four and eight, have lost both parents within a short period, following the confirmed death of their father in the Air India Flight A171 crash on July 12, 2025. Their mother passed away due to cancer just over two weeks earlier. The tragic sequence of events has led to public attention and a verified fundraising initiative aimed at supporting the children’s long-term care.
Confirmed Details About the Crash
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India, Air India Flight A171 crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad. The flight was bound for London Gatwick.
Authorities have confirmed that the crash resulted in the loss of over 260 lives. The ongoing investigation is being led by Indian aviation regulators in collaboration with Boeing, GE Aerospace, and other technical experts. As of June 2025, a final report has not yet been released.
Identity of the Victim: Arjun Patoliya
One of the confirmed victims of the crash was Arjun Patoliya, a 37-year-old British citizen. According to public statements by family members in interviews with The Indian Express, Mr. Patoliya had traveled to India to carry out a family-related religious ceremony. His wife, Bharti Patoliya, had passed away from cancer in late June 2025. Mr. Patoliya was reportedly returning to the United Kingdom when the accident occurred.
His death has left their two young daughters without parents. Family members have since confirmed their plans to take over guardianship and provide continued care for the children.
Verified GoFundMe Campaign
In response to the family’s loss, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends and relatives to support the future needs of the children. The platform has verified the fundraiser, and the campaign states that all contributions will be placed in a legal trust, managed by appointed guardians, to be used exclusively for the children’s welfare.
As of June 17, 2025, the campaign had raised over £576,000. GoFundMe’s policies require identity and payment verification for campaigns involving children or major public tragedies, and no credible reports of misuse or fraud have been associated with this fundraiser.
Family Guardianship Plans
In a statement published by The Indian Express, Mrs. Kanchan Patoliya, the children’s paternal grandmother, confirmed that either she or her younger son, Gopal Patoliya, will assume legal guardianship of the children. The family is currently conducting traditional memorial observances and will finalize long-term care arrangements after these are completed.
The guardianship decisions are expected to be made in accordance with Indian family law and, if applicable, United Kingdom family law, as the children hold British citizenship.
Government and Airline Response
The Ministry of Civil Aviation of India released an official statement on July 13, 2025, expressing condolences to the families affected and confirming that a comprehensive investigation is underway. The ministry has stated that support is being provided to victims’ families, including access to financial and psychological assistance.
Air India, in its public statement, confirmed the deployment of support teams to assist bereaved families and emphasized its commitment to cooperating with all investigative authorities. The airline has also pledged assistance with funeral arrangements and immediate family support services.
Background on Air India Flight A171
Air India Flight A171 was operated using a Boeing 777 aircraft and was scheduled to fly from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. Official reports confirm that the plane lost contact with air traffic control less than a minute after takeoff. Indian aviation regulators are leading the investigation with assistance from international aviation safety partners.
At this time, authorities have not publicly disclosed the root cause of the crash, and members of the public are advised to rely only on updates issued by the DGCA, AAIB, or government-authorized sources.
Public Support and Ongoing Developments
The case has received widespread attention, with many individuals expressing support for the surviving children and their extended family. Verified information about the incident, the family’s situation, and the fundraising campaign has been provided by credible news organizations and government entities.
The family has expressed appreciation for the public’s concern and stated that all decisions about the children’s care will be guided by legal counsel and family consensus.
Conclusion
The deaths of Arjun and Bharti Patoliya in separate but closely timed circumstances have left two young children in need of long-term care and emotional support. A verified GoFundMe campaign, managed under legal oversight, is helping address those needs. The investigation into the crash of Air India Flight A171 remains ongoing, with updates expected from Indian aviation authorities as new information becomes available.
Verified Sources:
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Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
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Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), India
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The Indian Express – Family Interview
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GoFundMe Official Campaign Page
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Ministry of Civil Aviation, India
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Air India Official Website
