Group Captain Varun Singh, the only survivor from the December 8 Mi-17V5 chopper crash in which 13 people including chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat were killed, died on Wednesday morning.
Indian Air Force in a statement wrote, “The IAF is deeply saddened to inform the passing away of braveheart Group Captain Varun Singh, who succumbed this morning to the injuries sustained in the helicopter accident on 08 Dec 21. IAF offers sincere condolences and stands firmly with the bereaved family.”
He was the son of an army officer and was awarded Shaurya Chakra earlier this year for displaying outstanding courage and presence of mind while handling a rare mid-air emergency involving a light combat aircraft (LCA) that he was flying last year.
Vikram Singh after being awarded Shaurya Chakra, wrote, “I credit this prestigious award to all those I have been associated with over the years in school, the National Defence Academy, and thereafter the Indian Air Force, as I firmly believe that my actions that day were a result of the grooming and mentoring by my teachers, instructors and peers over the years. It is okay to be mediocre… Whatever you work towards, be dedicated, do your best… Never lose hope, never think that you cannot be good at what you want to be.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Group Captain Varun Singh served the nation with pride, valour and utmost professionalism. I am extremely anguished by his passing away. His rich service to the nation will never be forgotten. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh wrote, “He was a true fighter who fought till his last breath. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends. We stand firmly with the family, in this hour of grief.”