Husband Killed in Plane Crash Weeks After Learning Wife Was Pregnant

Family Remembers Vikesh Patel, Who Never Made It Home to His Pregnant Wife

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Vikesh Patel, a 33-year-old GE Aerospace executive, was one of 67 people killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter at Ronald Reagan National Airport in 2025. Patel was traveling back from a business trip to be reunited with his pregnant wife, Audrey, when the tragic accident occurred. One year later, Audrey and Vikesh's family are still learning to cope with the devastating loss.

Why it matters

The plane crash was a historic disaster that officials have blamed on a confluence of worst-case factors. The tragedy has left Vikesh's family, including his pregnant wife and young sister, grappling with unimaginable grief and the challenges of moving forward without him.

The details

Vikesh and Audrey Patel had just learned she was pregnant with their first child when the accident happened. Vikesh was excited to become a father, but he never got the chance to meet his son. Vikesh's sister Dhanisha describes him as the person their family relied on for nearly everything, from business matters to daily life. His absence has been especially difficult for his parents, who depended on Vikesh to handle many aspects of their lives.

  • On January 29, 2025, Vikesh Patel was traveling back from a business trip.
  • Weeks earlier, Vikesh and his wife Audrey had learned she was pregnant with their first child.
  • The plane crash occurred on January 29, 2025.

The players

Vikesh Patel

A 33-year-old GE Aerospace executive who was killed in the plane crash. He was excited to become a father and had a close relationship with his family.

Audrey Patel

Vikesh's 35-year-old widow, who was six weeks pregnant at the time of the accident. She is now raising their 4-month-old son without Vikesh.

Dhanisha Patel

Vikesh's 36-year-old sister, who recently gave birth like Audrey. She describes Vikesh as the person their family relied on for nearly everything.

Dipak Patel

Vikesh's 65-year-old father, who misses his son 'every single minute' and depended on him to handle many aspects of the family's business and personal life.

Ramila Patel

Vikesh's mother, who is grieving the loss of her son along with her husband Dipak.

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What they’re saying

“It's really heartbreaking that he didn't get the chance to meet our baby.”

— Audrey Patel, Vikesh's Widow (PEOPLE)

“He was almost like my life consultant, whether it be for the kids, with work, with life, anything and everything; he would be the person I go to.”

— Dhanisha Patel, Vikesh's Sister (PEOPLE)

“We lost my son, and we miss him every single minute.”

— Dipak Patel, Vikesh's Father (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation into the causes of the midair collision that killed Vikesh Patel and 66 others.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Vikesh Patel has left his family grappling with unimaginable grief, but they are finding purpose in honoring his memory and the values he embodied - being thoughtful, putting others first, and cherishing every moment with loved ones.