The Air India flight tragedy has cut short the future of a young man who straddled two worlds — technology and sport. Among the 241 people who died when Air India’s Boeing 787-8 went down on Thursday was Dirdh Patel, an all-rounder who played for Leeds Modernians Cricket Club.
Mr Patel was on Air India Flight AI171 when it fell from the skies after departing Ahmedabad for London’s Gatwick Airport on 12 June. The aircraft was carrying 242 people in total.
Originally from Gujarat, Mr Patel had recently finished his Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Huddersfield. His professors say he was not just a diligent student but a person who challenged himself, constantly asking questions and extending his knowledge far beyond the classroom. A Reader in Artificial Intelligence at Huddersfield, Dr. George Bargiannis, said,
“Dirdh was someone I came to know not just for his academic abilities, but for his warmth, passion, and enthusiasm.”
Dr Bargiannis added:
“Dirdh was always intellectually curious," he continued. "He would come to me during classes with questions that reflected deep understanding and commitment. He had a rare ability to see the bigger picture and to understand how his learning could lead to real-world impact."
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Leeds Modernians Cricket Club, where Mr Patel played in the 2024 season, called his death a huge shock. They issued a statement that said,
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dirdh’s family and everyone who knew him.”
The Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket League confirmed Mr Patel was meant to continue playing once settled into his new job. A spokesperson further added,
"He embodied the ideal of a student-athlet. A young man equally committed to his studies and to sport, with an unshakeable work ethic and a bright future ahead."
His story underscores a deep loss — not just for his family and friends, but for the community that supported him. His brother, Krutik, previously played for Pool Cricket Club, and a moment of silence was held in Mr Patel’s memory at their weekend match.
