SAD NEWS: The world was shocked by a series of plane crashes in India, but what recently shocked everyone was the confirmation from many sources that the legendary Y&R actor was on that flight…

In what is now regarded as one of the most tragic days in contemporary aviation history, a series of devastating plane crashes throughout India have resulted in hundreds of fatalities, leaving the entire world in mourning.

However, amidst the turmoil and grief, one particularly heartbreaking confirmation has reverberated through the global entertainment industry — a legendary actor from The Young and the Restless was among those aboard one of the ill-fated flights.

Numerous international news organizations and sources affiliated with CBS Studios have now verified that the iconic Y&R star, who had been part of the show for decades and was regarded as one of the foundational figures of daytime television, was on a domestic flight en route from Mumbai to Rishikesh.

That aircraft lost contact with air traffic control late last night and subsequently crashed in a remote mountainous area of Uttarakhand under severe monsoon conditions.

Local authorities report that recovery operations are ongoing, but the devastation at the crash site suggests that there were no survivors. Although the complete passenger list has not yet been released to the public, several close friends of the actor have taken to social media to convey their sorrow and disbelief.

One message from a former co-star simply stated: “We spent over 20 years working side by side. This doesn’t feel real. I am shattered.”

The cherished actor, who became a household name through his unforgettable portrayal of a leading character on The Young and the Restless, was not merely a star on screen. He also served as a mentor, humanitarian, and influential voice behind the scenes. Renowned for his gentle charisma, exceptional performances, and steadfast loyalty to his cast and fans, he had garnered numerous awards and lifetime achievement honors throughout his career.

According to sources close to the production, the actor had taken a short break from filming and traveled to India for a spiritual retreat, seeking solace and healing following a personal loss earlier this year. He had candidly discussed in recent interviews his profound connection to Indian culture and his wish to delve into its history and traditions firsthand.

Fans of the long-running soap opera have inundated the show’s official pages with messages of sorrow and remembrance, referring to him as “a legend,” “a constant through generations,” and “the soul of the show.” Cast members have requested privacy as they strive to come to terms with the magnitude of the loss.

CBS Studios issued a statement earlier this morning:

“We are devastated beyond words to learn of the passing of our cherished colleague and friend. He was more than just an actor — he was family. His legacy will endure through every scene, every story, and every heart he touched. We extend all our love to his family and loved ones during this time of unimaginable grief.”

The Indian Civil Aviation Ministry has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the crashes, which seem to have been triggered by sudden and severe weather disturbances. Three aircraft, each on different routes within India, were impacted. It is believed that numerous international passengers are among the victims.

As the world continues to respond to this unfolding tragedy, the loss of this legendary Y&R actor has created a void in the hearts of millions. For decades, he illuminated living rooms around the globe with light, drama, and emotional depth. Today, that light has extinguished, and the silence it leaves is overwhelming.

May he be remembered not only for the roles he portrayed but also for the lives he influenced and the love he shared. Rest in peace, legend.

After a London-bound plane crashed shortly after takeoff in India, officials have confirmed that 241 victims aboard the flight have died.

In an X post shared on Thursday, June 12, Air India said the only survivor from the crash is “a British national of Indian origin.” That person is currently hospitalized.

Air India said that at the time of the flight, there were 230 passengers and 12 crew on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

“The passengers comprised 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese nationals and 1 Canadian national,” the airline said.

“Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the company further added. “Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”

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The airline said it was fully cooperating with authorities investigating the crash.

The plane, which was flying from Ahmedabad in western India and was bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed into a residential area five minutes after taking off at 1:38 p.m. local time on Thursday, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the director general of the directorate of civil aviation, told the Associated Press.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik initially said there were “no survivors in the plane crash,” but later told local outlet News18, “My earlier statement was misquoted.”

Malik told news agency ANI that there was at least one confirmed survivor of the crash, who was traveling in seat 11A on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flight, according to the BBC, which reported that a flight manifest shared by authorities listed British national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh as the passenger in 11A.

The commissioner said the survivor “has been in the hospital and is under treatment.”

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Ramesh told ANI, “Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise and then the plane crashed. It all happened so quickly,” according to the BBC.

Air India, which was operating the plane, confirmed in an earlier statement from its CEO that some injured passengers had been hospitalized after the crash.

Meanwhile, the  captain and first officer aboard the doomed plane were identified. Officials said the plane was under the command of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal and first officer Clive Kundar, according to News18 and The Hindustan Times.