Latest news with #Fiongal
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
‘Going back happily, happily…': UK couple killed in Air India crash were in India for Ayurvedic retreat
'Just boarding. Goodbye, India' — This was part of the farewell message posted by a British couple on the Instagram handle of their spiritual wellness brand before they boarded the London-bound Air India flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft, with 242 people on board, crashed shortly after take-off. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek and Jamie Ray Meek, who ran The Wellness Foundary, were returning to the UK after coming to India for an Ayurvedic retreat. In a video they posted on Instagram, recorded at Ahmedabad airport before they boarded the plane, Fiongal said, 'We are at the airport. Just boarding. Goodbye, India.' He joked with Jamie, asking him about the 'biggest takeaway from the trip', before jovially saying, 'My biggest takeaway is don't lose patience with your partner.' He then said, 'Going back happily, happily, happily, calm.' In another video that seemed to have been recorded the night before at their hotel, Fiongal said, 'So, it's our last night in India and we have had a magical experience, really. There have been some quite mind-blowing things… We are going to make a vlog about the whole trip and share it.' Sitting with him, Jamie said, 'There's been too much… It would be just so nice to remember this and to share it with everybody, because we really have been on quite a journey, and then just spending the last night here in this amazing hotel. We've just had the most delicious thali food. It was the perfect way to round up the trip… Excited to share it all with you, actually.' Fiongal, a tarot reader, had quit his job as a fashion designer to start his spiritual wellness brand, offering services such as psychic readings, tarot readings, reiki healing, sound baths, psychic development courses, past life regression therapy and bespoke events. He founded 'The Wellness Foundry' in 2018, 'born out of a profound spiritual awakening that was sparked by a mysterious illness', the company's website said. On his personal website, he described himself as an 'artist, seer, mystic and illustrator'. The website said Fiongal graduated from the Royal College of Art and had worked with leading fashion houses in London. Jamie, a spiritual practitioner and yoga teacher, joined the company in 2023 as co-director and head of events. The duo also ran a podcast, Spirit Level, where they shared perspectives on mindfulness and spirituality. Fiongal had told a friend last week that he was in Gujarat for an Ayurvedic retreat. Saatvika Mangharam, a Bengaluru-based yoga teacher who had known Fiongal since 2017 when they met at an ashram in Madurai, described him as 'a sweet, kind and gentle person'. 'He put up a status on social media that he was coming to India. On June 3, I texted him on Instagram to catch up, but he said he is in Gujarat for an Ayurvedic retreat. When I saw their video online yesterday, I was shocked. I knew they were in India, but I did not expect to see them in the crash. I messaged him to check, but there was no response,' she said. 'In the video, he bid goodbye to India, and it turned out to be their final goodbye. His last note on Instagram was 'headed home' with a sad emoticon. It is all so uncanny,' she said. Saatvika said, 'We met at an ashram in Madurai in 2017, where he had come for a yoga teacher training course, and I was a volunteer there at the time. Over the years, we remained in touch online. During Covid, I attended some of his sessions online.'
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jamie Laing shares moving tribute as pal tragically dies on Air India flight
Jamie Laing has paid tribute to his 'wonderful' friend who was feared to be on the ill-fated Air India flight this week. Fiongal Greenlaw, 39, and his husband Jamie Meek, 45, are thought to have been on board the flight, bound for London's Gatwick Airport, which went down shortly after take-off. They are said to have been on holiday in India. The couple co-founded a wellness brand together, which had been shown on ITV's This Morning. Following the tragic news, Jamie paid tribute to Jamie with a tribute on his Instagram Stories. "I will miss you dear friend," he said. "A wonderful human with a wonderful soul." Fiongal appeared as a guest on This Morning in January. During the episode, he gave hosts Ben and Cat a reading over their auras. He was brought back as a spiritual advisor on the show in April, with him appearing alongside Ben, Cat and Josie Gibson in the TV studio based in London. After his first visit, a post shared by his wellness brand the Wellness Foundry on Instagram read: "So this happened ... The biggest gig so far! Fiongal on This Morning - it was very nerve-wracking but he was honoured to chat about one of his favourite topics to such a big audience." The post on the platform continued: "Thank you to everyone [at] This Morning for being so amazing and guiding me through. Thank you to [Cat and Ben] for being so kind and welcoming." Fiongal and Jamie are said to have been died in the plane crash this week. As it was previously reported, the duo posted a clip from Ahmedabad airport moments before getting on the plane. Fellow Made In Chelsea star Alex Mytton also paid tribute amid reports Jamie and Fiongal died in the crash. Tagging his girlfriend Helen Wood, Alex wrote: "A bit lost for words and feeling a tad emotionally exhausted so I just want to write a short message so as to get the message out. "Our lovely friends Fiongal & Jamie were very sadly killed yesterday in the plane crash in India. There's a lot more I want to say about them, as they were very close to @Hannah_woood & I's heart but right now I just wanted to say that if anybody wants to meet up tomorrow if they're feeling heavy, sad or just wanna hang out with some other humans I'm gonna be organising a little meet up & hug in the park or along the lines (sorry not making loads of sense atm). "It feels like there's a lot of sadness and pain at the moment and just wanted to do something as a vigil to our friends but also for everything else going on at the moment. "So please if you're feeling down or even just up for hanging out or just saying hey, it'll be a bunch of us just chatting and chilling in the park."
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Devastated Made In Chelsea star pays emotional tribute to close friends feared dead in Air India crash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MADE In Chelsea star Alex Mytton has shared his devastation amid fears that his two friends have died in the Air India crash. Alex, 33, has penned an emotional message after learning that Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek were believed to be on the doomed flight yesterday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Alex Mytton's two friends are feared to have died in the Air India crash Credit: Instagram 7 Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek were believed to have died onboard the plane 7 The couple had attended Alex's wellness retreats Credit: Instagram The couple, who are known for being wellness gurus, had been enjoying a holiday together in India and had be due to return to London. Alex, who has hosted Fiongal and Jamie at his own retreats, has now spoken of his heartbreak in a message on Instagram. Tagging in his girlfriend Helen Wood, Alex wrote: "A bit lost for words and feeling a tad emotionally exhausted so I just want to write a short message so as to get the message out. "Our lovely friends Fiongal & Jamie were very sadly killed yesterday in the plane crash in India. "There's a lot more I want to say about them, as they were very close to @Hannah_woood & I's heart but right now I just wanted to say that if anybody wants to meet up tomorrow if they're feeling heavy, sad or just wanna hang out with some other humans I'm gonna be organising a little meet up & hug in the park or along the lines (sorry not making loads of sense atm). "It feels like there's a lot of sadness and pain at the moment and just wanted to do something as a vigil to our friends but also for everything else going on at the moment. "So please if you're feeling down or even just up for hanging out or just saying hey, it'll be a bunch of us just chatting and chilling in the park." The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers on board - including 53 Brits - smashed into a doctors' hostel in Ahmedabad in the west of India yesterday. The plane was headed to London Gatwick when it crashed just moments after take-off. Brit man, Ajay Kumar Vishwash, 40, cheated death after jumping off the flaming jet - walking away with minor injuries. He is believed to be the sole survivor of the catastrophe. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary pay emotional tribute to This Morning star feared dead in Air India plane crash Earlier this year, the wellness brand founded by 39-year-old Fiongal and Jamie, 45, was promoted on This Morning. Fiongal appeared on the ITV daytime show earlier this year. Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond paid tribute to the couple at the start of Friday's episode. Dermot explained that Fiongal "appeared on This Morning twice this year" adding: "We loved his energy that he brought to the studio. "Fiongal was on board the plane with his husband." Dermot then spoke about how the couple shared videos online before they boarded plane. "Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by this terrible tragedy." Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell has also shared a moving tribute. Sharing a snap of Fiongal posing with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley from the show online, Martin penned: "So so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. "I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over." He continued: "And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. "Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie." 7 Alex and his girlfriend Helen Wood have arranged a vigil Credit: Instagram 7 The Made In Chelsea star says he is 'emotionally exhausted' Credit: Instagram 7 Alex and his girlfriend Helen were close to Fiongal and Jamie Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Devastated Made In Chelsea star pays emotional tribute to close friends feared dead in Air India crash
MADE In Chelsea star Alex Mytton has shared his devastation amid fears that his two friends have died in the Air India crash. Alex, 33, has penned an emotional message after learning that Advertisement 7 Alex Mytton's two friends are feared to have died in the Air India crash Credit: Instagram 7 Fiongal Greenlaw and Jamie Meek were believed to have died onboard the plane 7 The couple had attended Alex's wellness retreats Credit: Instagram The couple, who are known for being wellness gurus, had been enjoying a holiday together in India and had be due to return to London. Alex, who has hosted Fiongal and Jamie at his own retreats, has now spoken of his heartbreak in a message on Instagram. Tagging in his girlfriend Helen Wood, Alex wrote: "A bit lost for words and feeling a tad emotionally exhausted so I just want to write a short message so as to get the message out. "Our lovely friends Fiongal & Jamie were very sadly killed yesterday in the plane crash in India. Advertisement READ MORE ON THIS MORNING "There's a lot more I want to say about them, as they were very close to @Hannah_woood & I's heart but right now I just wanted to say that if anybody wants to meet up tomorrow if they're feeling heavy, sad or just wanna hang out with some other humans I'm gonna be organising a little meet up & hug in the park or along the lines (sorry not making loads of sense atm). "It feels like there's a lot of sadness and pain at the moment and just wanted to do something as a vigil to our friends but also for everything else going on at the moment. "So please if you're feeling down or even just up for hanging out or just saying hey, it'll be a bunch of us just chatting and chilling in the park." The Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers on board - including 53 Brits - smashed into a doctors' hostel in Ahmedabad in the west of India yesterday. Advertisement Most read in TV The plane was headed to London Gatwick when it crashed just moments after take-off. Brit man, after jumping off the flaming jet - walking away with minor injuries. He is believed to be the sole survivor of the catastrophe. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary pay emotional tribute to This Morning star feared dead in Air India plane crash Earlier this year, the wellness brand founded by 39-year-old Fiongal and Jamie, 45, was promoted on This Morning. Fiongal appeared on the ITV daytime show earlier this year. Advertisement Dermot O'Leary and paid tribute to the couple at the start of Friday's episode. Dermot explained that Fiongal "appeared on This Morning twice this year" adding: "We loved his energy that he brought to the studio. "Fiongal was on board the plane with his husband." Dermot then spoke about how the couple shared videos online before they boarded plane. Advertisement "Our thoughts and our prayers go to their loved ones and all those affected by this terrible tragedy." Former This Morning editor Martin Frizell has also shared a moving tribute. Sharing a snap of Fiongal posing with Ben Shephard and "I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over." Advertisement He continued: "And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. "Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie." 7 Alex and his girlfriend Helen Wood have arranged a vigil Credit: Instagram 7 The Made In Chelsea star says he is 'emotionally exhausted' Credit: Instagram Advertisement 7 Alex and his girlfriend Helen were close to Fiongal and Jamie Credit: Instagram 7 The reality star found fame alongside his pal Jamie Laing on Made In Chelsea Credit: Channel 4
Scottish Sun
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
This Morning star's heartbreaking final video revealed just hours before tragic death on Air India crash
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HEARTBREAKING final video posted by a This Morning star has been revealed just hours before their tragic death on the Air India crash that claimed 241 lives. Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, appeared twice on the ITV daytime show earlier this year, discussing the healthy lifestyle company he founded with his husband Jamie Meek, 45. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 This Morning guest Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek posted a heartbreaking final video before his tragic death in yesterday's Air India crash Credit: Instagram 7 Fiongal appeared twice on the ITV daytime show earlier this year Credit: instagram The couple were among the passengers who passed away when the flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad on June 12, bound for Gatwick. In the chilling final clip filmed at Ahmedabad airport, Fiongal and Jamie, dressed in floral shirts and visibly happy, reflect on their trip. Fiongal says: 'We are at the airport just boarding. Goodbye India. Ten-hour flight back to England. What was your biggest takeaway Jamie?' Jamie responds: 'I don't know,' prompting Fiongal's laughter and a teasing, 'Thanks for your contribution.' Fiongal jokes that his main lesson was 'don't lose your patience with your partner,' to which Jamie smiles and replies, 'You snapped at me at the airport for having chai.' Passengers mill in the background as Fiongal adds, 'I'm going back to Britain happily, happily calm.' This Morning paid tribute to Fiongal during Friday's broadcast. Dermot O'Leary said: 'We are starting today with the tragic flight disaster dominating the news this morning. Sadly, one of those believed to have lost his life is Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek.' Co-presenter Alison Hammond added: 'Of the 242 people on board, 241 lost their lives, including 52 from the UK, making it the worst aviation disaster involving British nationals since the 9/11 attacks.' Martin Frizell, former editor of This Morning, posted a touching tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of Fiongal smiling alongside Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary pay emotional tribute to This Morning star feared dead in Air India plane crash He wrote: 'So, so sad to hear that Fiongal Greenlaw Meek and his partner are reported to be among the passengers and crew killed today on board the Air India flight bound for Gatwick. "I remember his visit to the studio in January, he was passionate about auras and although I'm a sceptical sort his vibrancy and sheer enthusiasm won folk over. "And I know for a fact that he hoped to use his appearance on This Morning to build his Wellness brand, he had a great future ahead of him. "Thoughts are with his family and friends and those of his partner Jamie.' Jamie's brother Nick Meek told MailOnline: 'We were expecting him home tonight. He should have landed at 6.30pm and then driven up for about 11pm to get his dog who is staying with our Mum. "She is not in a good way. It is all very raw for her at the moment. It's a lot to take in and we only heard this news a couple of hours ago." Jamie and Fiongal, who lived in London and ran the wellness brand the Wellness Foundry, had been in India for about 10 days on a wellness retreat. Nick said: 'They both worked in holistics and had their own business.' Although Jamie had been to India before, this was their first trip as a couple since marrying in 2022. They lived together in Ramsgate, Kent. Earlier social media posts from the couple showed their experiences in Ahmedabad, including a seven-hour car journey to a stunning hotel. In one clip, Fiongal lies on a large bed beside a giant swing, describing the hotel as 'beautiful' and saying he felt 'very, very happy.' Their time in India was captured in a series of posts showing henna tattoos, shopping for fabrics and gifts, and riding in a tuk-tuk through busy streets. On their final night, Fiongal reflected: 'So, it's our last night in India and we've had a magical experience. Some mind-blowing things have happened. We are going to put all this together and create a vlog. It's my first ever vlog about the whole trip and we want to share it.' Jamie added: 'We have been on quite a journey and then spending our last night here in this beautiful hotel, it's really been a great way to round off the trip.' The Wellness Foundry, founded by Fiongal in 2018 after a spiritual awakening triggered by illness, specialises in tarot and psychic readings, reiki, and other alternative therapies. The company's website says Fiongal sought healing 'beyond conventional methods' and explored practices that 'resonated deeply within his soul.' While the exact cause of the horrific Air India crash is not yet known, speculation continues to swirl online. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 242 passengers on board - including 53 Brits and 11 children - smashed into a doctors' hostel in the west of India on Thursday. The plane was heading to London Gatwick when it crashed just moments after take-off. One of Flight AI171's two "black boxes" has reportedly been recovered - which should provide crucial evidence on the fateful minutes between the plane leaving the airport terminal to it's impact. The black box will provide technical information on details like time, speed, altitude and heading. And the cockpit voice recorder may also offer vital clues such as any conversation between the two pilots, any engine noises or bangs, stall warnings or sounds of other equipment. The crash killed at least 265 people - including those on board and locals on the ground. As crash investigators begin to pour over that data, The Sun looks at six main theories as potential causes for India's worst ever aviation disaster. Follow our live coverage of the crash and aftermath here... 7 He and his husband Jamie Meek were among the passengers who passed away Credit: instagram 7 This Morning hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary paid tribute to Fiongal during Friday's broadcast Credit: ITV 7 This was their first trip as a couple since marrying in 2022 7 The plane was seen wedged in a building Credit: Reuters
