Shock and Heartbreak: John Foster Mourns the Loss of His Cousin Victor Benoit in Air India Tragedy. ML
American Idol Finalist John Foster Mourns Cousin Lost in Air India Crash
On what should have been a joyous week celebrating his rising music career, American Idol finalist John Foster was instead met with unimaginable grief. On Thursday evening, June 12, Foster took to social media with trembling hands and tear-filled eyes to share devastating news: his cousin, Victor Benoit, had perished in the tragic Air India plane crash that occurred just minutes after takeoff in Ahmedabad.
Victor, only 34, was serving as the first officer on the ill-fated flight — a role he had worked tirelessly to earn. Known in the family for his quiet strength and boundless love for the skies, Victor had always dreamed of flying. From building model airplanes as a child to logging his first solo flight in college, he never once doubted where his path would lead.
He had wings long before he ever sat in a cockpit,” John wrote in a heartfelt post. “Victor didn’t just fly planes — he carried our dreams, our stories, our pride. And now he’s gone.”
The two cousins had grown up more like brothers, spending summers at their grandmother’s house in Louisiana, chasing fireflies and trading dreams. While John pursued music, Victor chased the clouds. Despite their different worlds, they remained each other’s biggest cheerleaders — Victor cheering from the front row when John first auditioned for Idol, and John proudly announcing Victor’s promotion to first officer just last year.
As news of the crash spread and rescue operations confirmed the grim reality, John was one of the first family members notified. He had just stepped off a rehearsal stage in Los Angeles when the call came. Witnesses say he dropped to his knees, unable to speak.
“There are no words for a loss like this,” John said through tears. “Victor was light. He was laughter in dark rooms. He was steady when the world shook. And now, he’s gone, just like that. The sky took him back.”
Fans and fellow contestants flooded John’s page with messages of love and support. Candlelight vigils were held in both New Orleans, where Victor was born, and in Ahmedabad, where the crash occurred. Pilots across India observed a moment of silence before takeoff that Friday morning.
Though devastated, John says he will dedicate his next performance — and every song after — to Victor.
“He always believed in me,” he said. “Now I have to sing for the both of us.”
Victor Benoit is survived by his parents, a younger sister, and a legacy of dreams that touched the heavens.
In honor of Victor Benoit, the beloved cousin of American Idol finalist John Foster and a dedicated first officer who tragically lost his life in the recent Air India plane crash, we’re launching a special merch sale to support his grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.
💔 100% of proceeds will go directly to Victor’s family to help with memorial costs and provide financial relief in the wake of this sudden tragedy.
