Editor’s note: Global News previously reported, based on information from government officials, that 63 Canadians were killed in the Jan. 8 Ukraine International Airlines crash in Iran. On Friday, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said that the number of crash victims who are Canadian citizens is now believed to be 57 due to additional information received. This story has been revised to reflect the latest figure provided by the Canadian government.
A friend of one of the two University of Guelph PhD students killed aboard Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was supposed to be on the flight with him.
Marzieh Yaghini told hundreds gathered at a vigil at the War Memorial Hall on Friday night that she cancelled her ticket at the last minute.
Her friend Milad Ghasemi Ariani was on the plane and so was Ghanimat Azhdari. They were both returning to Guelph after spending time with family in Iran.
Yaghini said she was friends with many of those on Flight 752, saying her heart is breaking for those killed in Wednesday’s tragedy.
“I’m thinking of their last goodbyes to their family at the airport, I’m thinking of their last dreams and regrets,” she said while trying to contain her emotions.
Yaghini celebrated a birthday this week and said her life had been granted to her after avoiding the disaster.
“I invite all of you to appreciate every second of togetherness, friendship, kindness in this short opportunity of life,” she said.
Azhdari and Ariani were among the 176 passengers and crew members when the airliner crashed outside the Iranian capital of Tehran.
Having just started her PhD in biocultural conservation this pas September, Azhdari was described as someone who had giant-sized personality in a petite body.
“Ghanimat’s smile could light up a room and she always had one ready to share,” graduate coordinator Dr. Noella Gray said.
“Her energy and positivity were infectious.”
The 36-year-old loved music, working out at the gym and was dedicated to protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples across the world.
Azhdari was a member of the Indigenous and Conserved Communities Area Consortium, which said she was a true force of nature and one of its “most cherished flowers.”
Friends spoke of how much of a hard worker she was, mentioning that she was even working on a project due in a few hours while at Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran, waiting for the plane that was supposed to take her back to Canada.
“Her beautiful energy, her smile and her dedication will be missed by all of us, along with the others that she touched,” classmate Emily Smit said.
Ariani was studying consumer behaviour and had started to pursue his PhD in Guelph in May of last year.
Despite his short in Guelph, the vigil heard he quickly became a mentor and counsellor of sorts to so many classmates and faculty members.
“Always before exams, he would call me and encourage me to keep going,” said Sepideh Talebi. “He always opened up time in his busy schedule to help others.”
He loved Timbits, often sharing them during study sessions, and he loved literature and poems, and would send his favourite quotes to his friends.
Talebi said she and some friends were even eating cookies he bought while texting him before the flight back to Canada.
“He responded, ‘go to sleep. I’ll be with you tomorrow.'”
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Justin Trudeau attends vigil in Ottawa for Iran plane crash victims -
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Toronto-area architect being remembered as a driven professional, devoted mother -
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Former Iranian TV host, daughter, living in Toronto among Iran plane crash victims -
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Thousands gathered in Toronto, across Canada to mourn Iran plane crash victims
Flags on the university’s campus have been lowered to half-mast.
The university said there will be a tree memorial dedication ceremony in the fall at the arboretum on campus.
“It is our hope to create a lasting place to remember them on our campus community,” David Said, president of the graduate students association, told the vigil.
Global News has also learned that a Guelph dentist died in the crash as well.
In a letter to patients, Dawson Dental confirmed Dr. Parisa Eghbalian and her nine-year-old daughter Reera Esmaeilion were on the flight.
“In these moments, there are no words to express, other than to say that we extend our deepest sympathies to her husband and family members. Our hearts and thoughts are with them during this very difficult time.”
Eghbalian, 42, was also a co-owner of a dental clinic in Aurora with her husband, who stayed in Canada to run the practice.
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie also expressed his sympathies.
“Our community is heartbroken,” he said in a tweet. “Our prayers, our thoughts and our compassion is sent to all impacted by this loss.”
U of G students, faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the supports and resources that have been made available.
Homewood Health has also opened a phone line to provide confidential support to anyone in the community having trouble dealing with the aftermath of the disaster.
The support line is available 24 hours a day at 1-833-375-0267.
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