Introduction: A Tragic Loss at the Heart of Pride

The vibrant coastal town of Ramsgate, known for its rich maritime history and burgeoning cultural scene, was poised to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusion at its annual Pride event on June 14, 2025. However, the festivities were overshadowed by profound sorrow following the devastating crash of Air India Flight AI171 just two days earlier. Among the 241 passengers and crew who perished in the tragedy were Jamie Greenlaw-Meek, 45, and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek, 39, a beloved gay couple whose contributions to wellness, spirituality, and the LGBTQ+ community had touched countless lives. Their untimely deaths sent shockwaves through their adopted hometown of Ramsgate and beyond, prompting a heartfelt tribute at the Pride event they were scheduled to enrich with their presence.

This expanded account delves into the lives of Jamie and Fiongal, the circumstances of the Air India crash, and the poignant ways in which their memory was honored at Ramsgate Pride. By weaving in historical, cultural, and musical context, we aim to celebrate their legacy while reflecting on the broader themes of love, resilience, and community in the face of tragedy.

The Air India Flight AI171 Tragedy

A Catastrophic Crash in Ahmedabad

On Thursday, June 12, 2025, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, took off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, at 1:38 p.m. local time, bound for London Gatwick Airport. The flight carried 242 passengers and crew, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian. Tragically, within seconds of takeoff, the aircraft issued a Mayday call, signaling a critical emergency. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, a seasoned pilot with over 8,000 flying hours, reported a loss of thrust and inability to gain altitude. The plane, struggling to climb, plummeted into the Meghani Nagar residential area, crashing into a medical college hostel and erupting into a fireball that claimed at least 269 lives, including 28 people on the ground.

The sole survivor, British national Vishwashkumar Ramesh, seated in 11A near an emergency exit, miraculously escaped the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries. His account of hearing a loud bang and seeing the aircraft fail to gain altitude underscored the sudden and catastrophic nature of the incident. The crash, the first fatal accident involving a Boeing 787 Dreamliner since its introduction in 2011, prompted immediate investigations by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, with support from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and British authorities. One of the flight’s black boxes, the digital flight data recorder, was recovered from the crash site, offering hope for answers about the cause, which experts speculate could involve engine failure, a bird strike, or a flap configuration issue.

The disaster marked one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent history, surpassing the toll of the 2020 Air India Express crash in Kozhikode, which killed 21 people. It also reignited scrutiny of Boeing’s safety record, already under pressure following the 2018 and 2019 crashes of its 737 Max aircraft. Indian aviation authorities ordered inspections of all Boeing 787s operated by local carriers, while Air India’s parent company, Tata Group, pledged financial support to victims’ families and those injured on the ground.

Gujarat’s Historical and Cultural Context

Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, is a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and history. Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, it served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later became a center of India’s textile industry, earning the nickname “Manchester of the East.” The city is also synonymous with Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance movement, as his Sabarmati Ashram, established in 1917, became a focal point for India’s independence struggle. Today, Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage City, celebrated for its intricate architecture, bustling markets, and rich culinary traditions, including the iconic Gujarati thali—a platter of diverse vegetarian dishes that Jamie and Fiongal praised in their final Instagram post.

Gujarat’s aviation history is intertwined with its global diaspora, particularly the Gujarati community in the UK, which maintains strong ties to the state. Flights like AI171 cater to this transnational flow, connecting families, businesses, and cultural exchanges. The crash’s impact on Meghani Nagar, a densely populated area, highlighted the challenges of urban planning in rapidly growing cities, where residential zones often abut airports. The medical college hostel struck by the plane housed students and doctors, underscoring the ripple effects of the tragedy on Gujarat’s healthcare and educational communities.

Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek: A Life of Love and Impact

Who Were Jamie and Fiongal?

Jamie Greenlaw-Meek and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek were a dynamic couple whose lives were defined by creativity, spirituality, and a commitment to fostering wellbeing. Jamie, born in 1980, first gained public attention as a contestant on the 2007 BBC television show DanceX, where his charisma and dance talent shone. A native of London, Jamie’s early career in the performing arts laid the foundation for his later pivot to wellness, where he channeled his energy into holistic practices like yoga and tarot. Fiongal, born in 1986, brought a complementary flair to their partnership. A former fashion designer, he transitioned into spiritual wellness, becoming a sought-after practitioner of reiki, psychic readings, and aura interpretation.

The couple married in 2022, celebrating their union with two ceremonies: a vibrant countryside wedding in the UK and a lively service in Las Vegas. Their love story, marked by mutual support and shared passions, resonated deeply with their community. Together, they co-founded The Wellness Foundry, a wellness and lifestyle company based in London and Ramsgate, Kent. The Foundry offered a range of services, including tarot readings, yoga sessions, reiki healing, and spiritual workshops, earning accolades from outlets like Time Out, which named it one of London’s best places for tarot readings.

Jamie and Fiongal’s public presence extended beyond their business. Fiongal appeared on ITV’s This Morning in January 2025, discussing auras with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, an experience The Wellness Foundry described as their “biggest gig so far.” The couple also featured on the Newly Weds podcast with Made in Chelsea stars Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo, offering tarot readings that showcased their warmth and wit. Their Instagram account, with thousands of followers, served as a platform to share their journeys, from wellness tips to glimpses of their travels, including their fateful trip to Gujarat.

The Wellness Foundry and Its Mission

The Wellness Foundry was more than a business; it was a reflection of Jamie and Fiongal’s belief in the transformative power of spirituality and self-care. Rooted in holistic traditions, the company drew inspiration from global wellness practices, blending Eastern philosophies like yoga and reiki with Western esoteric traditions like tarot. Their approach resonated with a growing audience seeking alternatives to conventional mental health and wellness solutions, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, where marginalized individuals often face unique emotional and social challenges.

Ramsgate, where the couple had relocated, provided a nurturing backdrop for their work. The town’s regeneration as a cultural and artistic hub, fueled by its proximity to London and its affordable seaside charm, attracted creatives like Jamie and Fiongal. Their presence enriched Ramsgate’s burgeoning wellness scene, fostering a sense of community through workshops and events. Their planned participation in Ramsgate Pride 2025 was a testament to their commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, aligning their spiritual practice with the principles of inclusion and acceptance.

Their Final Journey: A “Magical Experience” in Gujarat

In June 2025, Jamie and Fiongal embarked on a 10-day wellness retreat in Gujarat, exploring India’s spiritual heritage. Their Instagram posts, shared via The Wellness Foundry’s account, captured their joy and awe. On Wednesday, June 11, Jamie posted about their final night at The House of MG, a heritage hotel in Ahmedabad known for its blend of traditional Gujarati architecture and modern hospitality. He described savoring a Gujarati thali as “the perfect way to round up the trip,” promising followers a vlog to share their “mind-blowing” experiences.

“There’s been too much… It would be so nice to remember this and share it with everybody because we really have been on quite a journey,” Jamie said, his voice brimming with excitement.

On Thursday morning, hours before boarding Flight AI171, the couple posted a final video from Ahmedabad’s airport. Laughing and joking, they bid farewell to India, with Fiongal saying, “We are at the airport, just boarding. Goodbye India,” and Jamie noting the 10-hour flight ahead. Their playful banter—Fiongal teasing Jamie about his “biggest takeaway” from the trip—reflected their deep bond and infectious positivity.

Their posts, now viewed as a poignant farewell, went viral after the crash, with media outlets and X users amplifying their story. Some, like Indian filmmaker Onir, criticized mainstream Indian media for downplaying the couple’s identity as a gay couple, highlighting ongoing challenges in LGBTQ+ visibility in India, where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized despite the 2018 decriminalization of homosexuality.

Ramsgate Pride: A Community in Mourning

The Tribute at Ramsgate Pride

Ramsgate Pride, held on June 14, 2025, was a bittersweet occasion. The event, known for its colorful parades, live performances, and inclusive atmosphere, drew hundreds to the town’s Royal Esplanade. Jamie and Fiongal were scheduled to host a wellbeing workshop through The Wellness Foundry, sharing their expertise in yoga and spiritual healing. Instead, the event became a space to mourn their loss and celebrate their legacy.

A minute’s silence was observed during the festivities, a solemn pause amidst the vibrancy of Pride. A video captured the moment: a Pride organizer addressed the crowd, explaining the need to honor “two incredible individuals” who had been “taken too soon.” The silence was followed by applause and cheers, a collective expression of gratitude for Jamie and Fiongal’s contributions. Lucy Taylor, assistant manager for Ramsgate Pride, performed a song dedicated to the couple, her voice carrying the weight of the community’s grief and admiration.

“They were kind and able to make you feel seen and heard, which I think is really rare,” Taylor told KentOnline. “They were warm, fun, and had a really caring aura about them.”

Taylor’s remarks to the BBC further illuminated the couple’s impact. She described them as “brilliant” and “vibrant,” noting their ability to bring “peace and healing” through their spiritual practice. Their “electric energy” and evident love for each other had left an indelible mark on Ramsgate, making their absence at Pride all the more profound.

Ramsgate Pride’s Cultural Significance

Ramsgate Pride, launched in 2017, is part of a broader wave of Pride events in smaller UK towns, reflecting the decentralization of LGBTQ+ celebrations beyond major cities like London and Brighton. These regional Prides emphasize community, accessibility, and local identity, offering safe spaces for queer individuals in areas where acceptance may still be evolving. Ramsgate, with its history as a Victorian seaside resort and its recent revival as an artistic enclave, embodies this spirit of inclusivity.

The event’s musical tributes, including Taylor’s performance, align with Pride’s tradition of using music as a tool for healing and resistance. From disco anthems like Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” to contemporary ballads, music has long been a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture, providing solace and solidarity. Taylor’s song for Jamie and Fiongal echoed this legacy, transforming personal grief into a communal act of remembrance.

Social Media and Community Response

Ramsgate Pride’s official Instagram story encapsulated the community’s heartbreak. Posted shortly after the crash, it announced the cancellation of The Wellness Foundry’s workshops, stating: “We are absolutely heartbroken to announce that The Wellness Foundry Workshops will no longer be taking place at our Pride event due to the sudden and devastating loss of Jamie and Fiongal in the Air India Flight. Our thoughts are with their loved ones at this tragic time.”

The post resonated widely, reflecting the couple’s reach beyond Ramsgate. Tributes poured in from clients, friends, and media figures, including This Morning’s Martin Frizell, who recalled Fiongal’s vibrant appearance on the show. On X, posts mourned the couple while amplifying their final video, with some users noting the irony of their joyful farewell against the tragedy that followed. The hashtag #RamsgatePride trended briefly, underscoring the global attention drawn to the couple’s story.

Broader Implications and Reflections

LGBTQ+ Visibility and Representation

The deaths of Jamie and Fiongal highlighted ongoing challenges in LGBTQ+ representation, particularly in India. Despite progress since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling decriminalizing homosexuality, societal acceptance remains uneven, and same-sex couples often face invisibility in mainstream narratives. The couple’s story, amplified by Western media and X users, contrasted with the reluctance of some Indian outlets to acknowledge their relationship, prompting criticism from activists like Onir. This disparity underscores the global nature of Pride’s mission to advocate for visibility and equality.

In the UK, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2014, Jamie and Fiongal’s story resonated as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing love. Their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community through The Wellness Foundry aligned with Pride’s ethos of empowerment, offering tools for resilience in a world that can still be hostile to queer identities.

Aviation Safety and Public Trust

The Air India crash raised pressing questions about aviation safety, particularly for Boeing, whose 787 Dreamliner had been celebrated for its reliability. The incident’s parallels to past Boeing crises, including the 737 Max crashes, fueled public skepticism about manufacturing standards and regulatory oversight. The recovery of the flight data recorder and ongoing investigations will be critical in restoring trust, especially for diasporic communities reliant on long-haul flights like AI171.

The crash also highlighted the human cost of aviation disasters, from the loss of diverse passengers—ranging from medical students to former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani—to the trauma inflicted on Ahmedabad’s residents. The tragedy’s scale, with 269 fatalities, underscored the need for robust emergency response systems and urban planning to mitigate risks near airports.

The Role of Wellness in Modern Society

Jamie and Fiongal’s work with The Wellness Foundry reflected a broader cultural shift toward holistic wellbeing, particularly among younger generations and marginalized communities. The global wellness industry, valued at over $5 trillion in 2025, encompasses practices like yoga, meditation, and alternative therapies, driven by rising stress and dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare. The couple’s integration of spirituality and inclusivity resonated with this trend, offering a model of care that prioritized emotional and communal healing.

Their legacy invites reflection on how wellness can bridge cultural and social divides, as seen in their engagement with Gujarat’s spiritual traditions. Their final posts, celebrating India’s heritage, suggest a deep respect for cross-cultural exchange, a value that continues to inspire their followers and the Ramsgate community.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Jamie and Fiongal Greenlaw-Meek’s lives were a testament to the power of love, creativity, and community. Their tragic deaths in the Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12, 2025, left a void in Ramsgate and the global LGBTQ+ community, but their memory endures through the tributes paid at Ramsgate Pride and beyond. The minute’s silence, Lucy Taylor’s song, and the outpouring of grief on social media reflect the profound impact of their work and spirit.

As investigations into the crash continue, the focus remains on honoring the victims and supporting their families. For Jamie and Fiongal, this means celebrating their contributions to wellness, their advocacy for inclusivity, and their unwavering love for each other. Their story, woven into the fabric of Ramsgate Pride, serves as a reminder to live authentically, love fiercely, and build communities that uplift all.

In the words of Lucy Taylor, Jamie and Fiongal were “forces of nature” whose “caring aura” will linger in Ramsgate’s heart. Their legacy, like the music played in their honor, will continue to resonate, inspiring others to embrace healing, joy, and pride in the face of loss.