The University of Windsor is remembering five members of its community who were killed on board Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 one year ago.
The airliner was unintentionally shot down by the Islamic Republic of Iran killing all 176 people on board including 57 Canadians and a number of international students attending Canadian universities.
Zahra Naghibi, Mohammad Abbaspour, Pedram Jadidi, Samira Bashiri and Hamidreza Setarehkokab were all making their way back to Windsor when they were killed on the flight.
“Their lives were filled with promise and possibility. Then, with no warning, they were caught in the middle of a needless and senseless tragedy,” said University of Windsor President Robert Gordon. “The impact on all of us at the University of Windsor was devastating - for both those who knew them well, and those who didn't. We all felt a bond. They represented everything that we hold dear - hope for a future of commitment and accomplishment, and the successful search for a place in life where dreams can become a reality.”
To honour the local victims of the crash the university has established a memorial scholarship.
In November, the City of Windsor unveiled at riverfront memorial to the victims that include trees, park benches and a plaque to remember the event and the lives lost.
