A devastating plane crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 fleet occurred on June 12, 2025, while en route from Ahmedabad to London, claiming 274 lives after hitting a medical college hostel. Dirdh Patel, a young cricketer, aged 23, was among those who perished in the accident. Patel, a recent MSc graduate in Artificial Intelligence, was also a victim of this tragedy. His passing was confirmed by BBC and his cricket club, the Wharfedale Senior Cricket League.
The Wharfedale Senior Cricket League conveyed their profound sadness, acknowledging Dirdh as a member of Leeds Modernians CC and brother of Krutik Patel. In 2024, he was the overseas player for Leeds Modernians CC, scoring 312 runs and taking 29 wickets in 20 matches while pursuing his Master’s degree. Leeds Modernians will hold a minute of silence. Dr. George Bargiannis from the University of Huddersfield recalled Dirdh’s exceptional intellect and ability to envision a positive impact on the world.