Kedarnath Helicopter crash: Pilot, who welcomed twins 4 months ago, dies on Father's Day

Time of India

8 hours ago

A pair of newborn twins lost their father on Father's Day, no less. India, still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, was hit by another heart-wrenching tragedy on June 15, 2025. A helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath met with a catastrophic end. The aircraft, a Bell 407 operated by Aryan Aviation, lost contact shortly after takeoff and eventually crashed in a dense forest near Gaurikund.
All seven individuals onboard lost their lives, including the pilot and six passengers. Among the deceased were a 23-month-old child and the pilot,
Lieutenant Colonel Rajveer Singh Chauhan
, aged 37.
A New Father Taken Too Soon
According to
The Indian Express
, Lieutenant Colonel Chauhan and his wife, Deepika, had recently welcomed twins just four months ago. Their joy came after a long wait of 14 years. Rajveer, a native of Mahwa in Rajasthan's Dausa district, had taken a short break from duty to spend cherished time with his newborn children and wife. Just 20 days prior to the incident, he had returned to active service. He had also planned to attend an upcoming family ceremony called Jalwa Pujan, a Rajasthani ritual that celebrates the arrival of infants, scheduled for June 30, 2025, according to
Bollywood Shaadis.
Now, instead of a joyful cultural event, the family is faced with an irreplaceable void.
A Distinguished Career in Aviation and Service
Lieutenant Colonel Chauhan's professional history reflects an extensive and decorated tenure in the Indian Army. As indicated by his LinkedIn profile, he accumulated over 2,000 flying hours and spent more than 15 years serving the nation. His career included diverse responsibilities such as coordinating air missions, overseeing logistical chains, and leading disaster response initiatives. He had undergone rigorous training in the maintenance and operation of multiple helicopter types. His profile also reveals strong expertise in aviation safety, aircraft handling, and mission planning, especially in challenging terrains and high-stress scenarios.
In addition to his military accomplishments, Rajveer was an alumnus of the highly respected Faculty of Management Studies, further highlighting his academic and strategic capabilities.
Details of the Fatal Crash
The helicopter, a Bell 407 operated by Aryan Aviation, departed from the Kedarnath helipad at approximately 5:20 A.M. on June 15. Not long after takeoff, communication with ground control was severed. Preliminary assessments suggest that rapidly changing weather conditions played a major role in the incident. The aircraft crashed into a dense forest area near Gaurikund and exploded upon impact.