UVic student reported among Tehran plane crash victims

- University of Victoria

The university community is saddened to hear that a female first-year student from the University of Victoria is among the victims of the Tehran air crash Wednesday.

Roja Omidbakhsh’s name was on the passenger manifest released by Ukraine International Airlines and is identified in social media posts as a student at UVic. 

UVic President Jamie Cassels expressed the university community’s grief over the tragic loss of 176 lives in the crash.

“The University of Victoria expresses its sympathy to all of the families and friends of those who perished in the crash,” Cassels said. “It is always a profound loss for the entire community when we lose someone, and our hearts and thoughts go out to Roja’s loved ones. UVic extends its deepest condolences as we join in mourning her loss.”

The student was registered in the Gustavson School of Business and was among those in Professor Mark Colgate’s commerce class for her first term at UVic.  He recalls her as a positive, mature student who had a presence in his class.

“Roja was very positive and had a keen interest in marketing. She was on the pathway to complete a bachelor of commerce,” Colgate said. “We’re heartbroken that this happened and our condolences go to her family and classmates.”

Like other first-year students enrolled at the School of Business, Omidbakhsh also took courses across several faculties. 

Counselling and support is available to members of our campus community who knew Omidbakhsh or are otherwise affected by this tragic event. The university is lowering its flag to half-staff in remembrance of Omidbakhsh.

We encourage students, faculty members and staff members who need support at this time to contact one of the following services:

Multifaith services, 250-721-8341

Students: Counselling services, 250-721-8341

Employees: Employee and Family Assistance Program, 1-844-880-9142  

In case of an emergency: