In the wake of the tragic Air India flight AI171 crash in western India on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the British morning television show "This Morning" has paid a heartfelt tribute to Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek and his husband Jamie, who were among the 270 lives lost. The couple, known for running a spiritual wellness center called The Wellness Foundry in Ramsgate, Kent, had charmed viewers during Fiongal's two appearances on the show earlier this year, where he shared his insights on wellness and auras.
Hosts of "This Morning" expressed their sorrow and remembered Fiongal's vibrant energy and enthusiasm. Dermot O'Leary, a host on the show, said, "Fiongal appeared on this morning twice this year. We loved his energy that he brought to the studio”. The former editor of "This Morning", Martin Frizell, also shared his memories of Fiongal's visit to the studio in January, noting his passion for auras and his ability to win people over with his vibrancy and enthusiasm, despite Frizell's own skepticism.
Fiongal and Jamie had posted videos online from Ahmedabad Airport, just before boarding the ill-fated flight, capturing their lightheartedness and excitement for their journey. They were scheduled to host workshops at Ramsgate Pride on Saturday, an event that is now overshadowed by grief.
The couple were among the 53 British nationals who perished in the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport. The Air India flight AI171, bound for Gatwick, crashed into a medical college hostel, also killing 29 people on the ground. Initial reports indicate that there was only one survivor of the crash, a British man from Leicester.
News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through communities in the UK and India, with tributes pouring in for all the victims. Among those who were identified were Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara, who were returning from a surprise trip to India. Family described them as "widely loved and deeply respected".
Another family, sisters Dhir and Heer Baxi, both in their early 20s, were also among the victims. They were returning home to London after surprising their grandmother for her birthday. Their cousin described them as having an "amazing aura" and aspirations to travel the world while upholding traditional values.
Elcina Alpesh Makwana, a 42-year-old mother of two from London, was the first British victim whose body was released to her family. She had traveled to India for dental work and to visit her parents. She was described as a "sweet" and "gentle" soul who had adopted two children back home and was paying for their education.
The Air India crash is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in recent history in terms of the number of British lives lost. As investigations into the cause of the crash continue, communities are uniting in grief and offering support to the families of the victims. The "This Morning" tribute serves as a reminder of the human connection and the impact that individuals, like Fiongal and Jamie, can have on those around them, even through brief encounters on television.
