
Jacquita Gonzales, widow of MH370 crew member, dies at 62
Her death was confirmed through a heartfelt post shared on the MH370 Families Facebook group, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a deeply valued and steadfast member of their community, according to a report published today in The Star.
'We are deeply saddened to share that our dear friend, Jacquita (Gonzales) Gomes, has left us to be with the Lord on April 28,' the post read.
'She touched so many lives with her warmth, kindness, and humility. She will be deeply missed by all of us who knew her.'
Jacquita, 62, was well-known for her unwavering advocacy following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on March 8, 2014.
As a prominent voice among the victims' families, she devoted herself to pursuing justice and finding answers,ensuring the memories of those lost were never forgotten.
Her journey was defined by personal strength, including a courageous battle with breast cancer, which she faced with grace and determination.
In December, when the Malaysian government announced a potential deal with US-based marine exploration firm Ocean Infinity to continue searching for the missing aircraft, Jacquita expressed her joy, saying she was elated at the prospect of new efforts to find her husband and the others lost that fateful day.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
A landmark celebration of faith and community
Strong foundation: Congregants marking the 130th anniversary of St Mark's Church in Butterworth. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star BUTTERWORTH: For university student Joel Cephasraj Harris, St Mark's Church is more than a place of worship – it is part of his family's story. The 20-year-old said the church has been central to three generations, from his grandfather to his father and now himself. 'Practically my whole family worshipped here, from my grandfather to my generation,' he said during the church's 130th anniversary celebration yesterday. Joel, who has volunteered there for several years, described the church as a melting pot of English, Bahasa Malaysia and Tamil speakers. 'It goes beyond religion – it's about shaping people into better individuals and strengthening the community,' he said. Engineer S. Prabakaran brought his wife and two children from Seberang Jaya for the occasion. 'It's a proud day for us. The church has evolved into more than just a religious institution – it's where the community comes together,' said the 44-year-old. Prabakaran said he took advantage of the weekend holiday to bring his family to join the anniversary celebration. 'It's not every day you get to witness a 130-year celebration. I wanted my children to see and appreciate the church's history and the role it plays in our lives,' he said, adding that he also met up with his friends there. His wife, K. Kavitha, 40, said it is heartening to see people of all ages sharing stories and celebrating a place that has stood the test of time. Even non-members joined in the celebration such as Butterworth resident Eduard Lim, 25, who came to support friends and neighbours. 'I've always admired how the church opens its doors to everyone, regardless of background. It's part of what makes this community special,' he said. Lim added that the event is also a chance to appreciate the church's history, noting that such heritage buildings are rare and should be preserved for future generations. Yesterday's celebration drew hundreds of congregants and community members who came together to mark the anniversary with prayers, hymns and cultural performances. The event also offered a variety of community services, including free dental check-ups provided by the Health Ministry, medical screenings by Polyclinic Bagan, blood pressure and glucose tests, eye examinations and a blood donation drive by Hospital Baling. Children were treated to games and activities, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Anglican Churches' Bishop of the Diocese of West Malaysia Rev Canon Dr D. Steven Abbarow led the service. The church also launched a fundraising drive for RM180,000 to buy a new van for its children's ministry, replacing a 20-year-old vehicle. Vicar Rev Anthony Jude said the van is essential for transporting Sunday school students. 'Our existing van is becoming too costly to maintain,' he said. The church also set a target of raising between RM30,000 and RM40,000 yesterday. Present during the anniversary celebration were Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng, Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen and senator Dr Lingeshwaran R. Arunasalam. Founded in 1893 by Rev Hubert C. Henham, the Church of St Mark the Evangelist began as a wooden chapel seating 70 and was completed in 1894 on a government-granted land along Jalan Bagan Luar. It was consecrated in January 1895. In 1929, the church moved to a larger site to serve a growing congregation, and the brick building consecrated that year gave Jalan St Mark its name. Today, the church stands in a Butterworth enclave known as a 'street of harmony', near Hindu and Buddhist temples and a Gurdwara, reflecting the town's interfaith heritage. St Mark's remains under the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, holding services in English and Tamil.


Malaysian Reserve
16 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
National Day: Patriotism in the air as homes, offices and business premises start flying the Jalur Gemilang
KUALA LUMPUR — August is a month that oozes with the spirit of patriotism, where citizens are encouraged to decorate their homes, offices, and vehicles with the Jalur Gemilang (the Malaysian flag) as a sign of love for the country. With 21 days left until the National Day 2025 celebration, people across the country have already started flying the Jalur Gemilang, the national symbol. A Bernama survey in Kampung Baru, located in the heart of the capital, and at Perumahan Awam Sri Perak, Sentul, found that residents have installed the Jalur Gemilang at their homes to join in the National Month celebration. Moving on to Dataran Merdeka, the atmosphere of the National Day celebration is already palpable, as the area is filled with Jalur Gemilang decorations and various patriotic-themed displays. IN MELAKA, the Jalur Gemilang has started to fly along main roads like Jalan Hang Tuah, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang, Jalan Bendahara, and Jalan Laksamana, thanks to initiatives from the local authorities. Several hotels, private hospitals, and tourist locations have also joined the effort to liven up the National Month celebration, while fewer flags were seen at most residential areas and business premises. The patriotic atmosphere is also increasingly being felt in Kuantan, PAHANG, where the Jalur Gemilang and the Pahang flag are proudly flying along main roads, at business premises, and on government administration buildings in anticipation of the National Month celebration. The Kuantan City Council has also launched the Jalur Gemilang and Pahang State Flag-Hoisting Program from July 25 to September 16 to encourage participation of residents. A retired government official, Sallehuddin Yaakob Rahman, 62, said he intends to install the Jalur Gemilang at his home, but his current flag is worn out. He plans to replace it before National Day on August 31. 'God willing, I will change it to a new one before Merdeka Day, so that we can all help to liven up the atmosphere,' he said. IN KEDAH, the patriotic 'war' of the Jalur Gemilang can also be felt as premises and residential homes in the areas around Kota Setar, Pendang, and Yan districts have begun installing flags. Tan Chin Eng, 62, from Yan, said he usually installs the flag every time the National Month arrives. 'I will try to install it before the celebration day. I've noticed that some premises and houses in this area have started putting up flags since August 1, but there are still many that haven't,' he said. Civil servant Nur Syahirah Azlan, 34, from Kota Setar said she had already installed three Jalur Gemilang flags in front of her house as a symbol of patriotism. 'Every year, my husband and I install the flags, and they stay flying until Malaysia Day. But what I see is that many people still don't fly flags. Maybe because it's not compulsory, they don't care much, but they should at least fly one flag as a sign of love for the country,' she said. Themed 'Malaysia MADANI: A Compassionate Nation,' the National Day 2025 celebration on August 31 will be held at Dataran Putrajaya, while the Malaysia Day celebration will take place on September 16 in Penang. — BERNAMA


The Star
16 hours ago
- The Star
‘Heartbreaking': Bear in India refuses to abandon dying cub struck by speeding car
In video footage posted online, a bear can be seen dragging her cub, which had been struck by a speeding car, by the side of the road and tending to it for about an hour. -- PHOTOS: INDIANWILDANIMALS/INSTAGRAM NEW DELHI (The Straits Times/ANN): A mother's love knows no bounds, and it is no different for bear mums. In video footage posted on social media site Instagram and widely circulated by thousands of heartbroken animal lovers, an Asiatic black bear is seen dragging her cub to the side of the road in India's Madhya Pradesh state. The cub was struck by a speeding car, as its mother – with her cubs in tow – was crossing the road. For about an hour, the bear can be seen trying to will her cub to live, even as the cub is in its death throes. Another cub is clinging onto the mother's back as she paces the road. Mother bear first sits beside her dying cub, then stands over her – growling, groaning, and even appearing to cry and beg for help. Reports said there was a third cub with her, but it was out of view of the camera. Forest rangers eventually arrived, and guided the bear and her surviving cubs back to the forest. They tried to revive the injured cub, but its injuries proved fatal. The incident happened on Aug 6, and a video of it – viewed over 330,000 times – was posted by Indian Wild Animals on its Instagram page on Aug 9. The Times of India reported that the driver responsible for knocking down the cub had yet to be identified. Viewers overwhelmingly described the scene as 'heartbreaking'. 'Heartbreaking. Humans are beyond saving,' said one comment. Another said: 'Humans are the only curse that exists on this planet.' 'We've really failed them. We're supposed to protect them,' another comment said. Several people criticised the Indian government for failing to take into account wildlife habitation when building roads and railways. In a similar incident in May, an elephant was seen in a video trying to push a lorry that had hit her five-year-old calf on the road in the Malaysian state of Perak. The calf was said to have darted suddenly onto the road, and was hit by and pinned beneath the lorry. It later died. Its mother refused to leave, and at one point, became agitated and violent, and rammed the lorry with her head. She had to be tranquilised and moved to a safer place. - The Straits Times/ANN