Actor Vikrant Massey has spoken out to clear the air regarding reports that he lost a cousin in the recent Air India flight AI171 crash. Massey confirmed that Clive Kunder, the co-pilot of the ill-fated flight, was a family friend  not a blood relative.

Taking to Instagram, Massey urged media outlets and the public to avoid misinformation and allow grieving families their privacy. His post read: "Dear friends in the media and elsewhere, the unfortunately diseased Mr Clive Kunder was not my cousin. The Kunders are our family friends. Request no more speculations and let the family and loved ones grieve in peace."

Earlier on June 12, Massey had posted a heartfelt tribute to Clive Kunder, saying he was deeply pained by the tragedy. He mentioned that Clive was the son of his uncle’s close friend, Clifford Kunder, and served as First Officer on the flight that crashed near Ahmedabad shortly after takeoff.

Clive Kunder had logged over 1,100 flight hours and was flying alongside Line Training Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, who had more than 8,000 hours of experience. Flight AI171 was headed for London’s Gatwick Airport but went down in the Meghaninagar area after takeoff, crashing into a hospital hostel and killing over 265 people in what is now considered one of India’s worst aviation disasters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the crash site and Civil Hospital today, where survivors and victims' families are being assisted. Massey's clarification serves as a reminder of the need for responsible reporting, especially during times of tragedy when emotions are high and misinformation spreads quickly.