Hokuma Aliyeva, 33, a flight attendant on an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, tragically died when the plane crashed in Kazakhstan, reportedly after being struck by a Russian missile. The flight, traveling from Baku to Grozny, crashed while attempting to land, killing 38 people.

Captain Igor Kshnyakin and co-pilot Aleksandr Kalyaninov were hailed for their efforts to save the plane, managing to leave Russian airspace before the crash. Despite their bravery, both pilots, along with Ms. Aliyeva, perished, though 29 passengers survived.

In her final moments, Ms. Aliyeva was heard over the tannoy trying to calm passengers, saying, “Everything will be fine.” Survivor Subkhonkul Rahimov praised her courage, recalling her efforts to reassure people during the chaos: “She showed determination and carried out all her duties perfectly… She told people to stay calm.”

Ms. Aliyeva joined Azerbaijan Airlines in 2016 after studying law and was described by her family as a “cheerful person” who took pride in her work. “She always told us to be proud of her,” her family shared. They recalled her previous near-miss in another flight, adding heartbreakingly, “This time, the crash happened, and my daughter couldn’t survive.”

Her bravery and dedication in a horrifying situation have left a lasting impression on those who knew her and the survivors she tried to protect.