5 Windsorites confirmed killed in Iran plane crash

Five Windsor residents were killed in a plane crash that happened in Iran on Wednesday.

Samira Bashiri was working in a lab at the University of Windsor, while her husband Hamidreza Setareh Kokab was a PhD student in mechanical engineering at the same institution. 

Zahra Naghibi was a PhD student at the university's Turbulence and Energy Lab. She was also chair of the IEEE Young Professionals group. Naghibi's husband Mohammad Abbas Pourghaddi also died in the crash. 

Pedram Jadidi was a PhD student in civil engineering. He was described by Javad Sadeghi, another University of Windsor PhD student and friend, as "very lovely and very ambitious."

Lisa Porter, a University of Windsor cancer researcher who supervised Bashiri, described her as "incredibly talented, driven and a beautiful person."

"She had a bright future ahead of her," Porter said. 

Porter said Bashiri was trained as a veterinarian in Iran, and had aspirations to begin graduate school in Windsor in September. 

"This is a tragic loss for all of us and we are so devastated for her family and friends back home," said Porter. 

Bashiri, Setareh Kobab, Naghibi, Abbas Pourghaddi and Jadidi were among 176 victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752.

Pedram Jadidi remembered as 'very ambitious' student who loved his family

5 years ago

Duration 1:43

Friends

University responds

University of Windsor president Robert Gordon issued a statement Wednesday, saying that the institution is "heartbroken by this news and we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy."

Windsor couples killed on flight 752 the 'gold standard,' says friend

5 years ago

Duration 2:19

Friends remember two couples returning to Windsor who died in the plane crash on Wednesday.

"At this very difficult time we will support each other as a university family and will provide counselling and additional support services to anyone on campus in need."

In a statement, University of Windsor Students' Alliance (UWSA) president Jeremiah Bowers expressed his deepest sympathies for all 176 passengers on the flight. 

"We are deeply saddened from this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those onboard," said Bowers, in a statement issued Wednesday. 

"At UWindsor, we see each other as an interconnected family, and it is in times like these where our sense of community is strongest."

Political leaders offer condolences

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens used a tweet to express his sincere condolences "to the families and friends of all victims of the horrific plane crash in Iran."

"This is a devastating blow for our community," Dilkens said. "We are truly sorry for your loss and keeping you in our hearts and prayers."

NDP Windsor West MP Brian Masse expressed his condolences during a media event on Wednesday unrelated to the plane crash. 

Liberal Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmiercyzk also took to Twitter to offer condolences. 

"We are heartbroken — but we are united in thoughts and prayers and we find solace in the strength of the bonds of community," he wrote. 

Flight PS752 went down just minutes after takeoff from Tehran.

More than 60 Canadians were onboard the flight.

CBC News is attempting to confirm reports of other local residents who died on Flight PS752.

If you have been personally affected by the plane crash in Iran and would like to share your story with CBC News, click the link below:

You can also contact CBC Windsor through email at [email protected].