York Region extends deepest sympathies on passing of staff member Bahareh Karami

Newmarket – On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, it is with great sadness we announce the heart-breaking passing of one of our York Region staff, Ms. Bahareh Karami.

Bahareh was a passenger on Ukraine International Flight 752 from Tehran to Kiev earlier this morning, which crashed and tragically killed all 167 passengers and nine crew members, including 63 Canadians.

“We are so shocked and extremely saddened by this tragedy,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “Our prayers are with Bahareh’s family, friends and colleagues, and for everyone that may be impacted in any way by this horrific event.”

York Region is in the process of reaching out directly to Bahareh’s immediate family, who live in Tehran.

Bahareh joined York Region in 2018 working as a Technologist in the Capital Planning and Delivery branch within Environmental Services. She was a graduate of University of Tehran with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering, before receiving a master’s degree in science from North Carolina State University.

“Bahareh’s colleagues speak very highly of her,” said York Region Chief Administrator Officer Bruce Macgregor. “She is being remembered for her love of family, a dedicated and strong work ethic, and great sense of enthusiasm.”

Flags at York Region facilities have been lowered to half-mast until her funeral in Tehran is held. A book of condolence is available in the Great Hall of the York Region Administrative Centre.

The Regional Municipality of York consists of nine local cities and towns and provides a variety of programs and services to 1.2 million residents and 52,000 businesses with over 636,600 employees. More information about the Region’s key service areas is available at york.ca/regionalservices

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Media Contact:
Patrick Casey, Director, Corporate Communications
The Regional Municipality of York
Cell: 905-715-8211
@email