Ravi V. Patel is currently participating in Season 4 of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” where he faces one of the most challenging physical and mental trials. While navigating this intense competition, Patel is also dealing with profound personal heartache following an unimaginable loss. In February 2023, he and his family experienced the tragic loss of their daughter, Saachi, who passed away just five days after birth.
Patel shared the heartbreaking news with his followers on Instagram on February 16, 2023, a little over a week after Saachi’s passing. He poignantly expressed, “On 2.7.23, we held our sweet sweet Saachi girl in our arms as she became an angel.” He revealed that both he and his wife, Mahaley Hessam, fought valiantly, but unfortunately, their daughter could not be saved. The grief he voiced resonated deeply, stating, “Everyone is destroyed and seeking. When we are ready, we will fight again in her memory. Love you and with you forever, my beautiful Saachi girl.”
The cause of Saachi’s death was attributed to “meconium aspiration,” a condition where a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid during delivery. This situation is typically linked to fetal stress during labor and affects approximately five to ten percent of newborns.
Ravi Patel has been married to Mahaley Hessam since November 2015. Hessam, an actress known for her roles in films like “Easy A” and “The DUFF,” also made appearances on television in series such as “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Awkward.” Just one month after the tragic loss of their daughter, Patel reflected on their relationship in an anniversary post, celebrating nine years since they first connected. Despite the challenges they faced, he expressed admiration for his wife as a mother and partner, emphasizing their resilience. He remarked, “This could have broken us, but instead we are getting stronger.”
Alongside their shared grief, the couple has another daughter, Amelie. In a touching moment, Patel recalled sitting down with Amelie to explain that her sister would not be coming home. He shared how he and Mahaley lovingly held Saachi in her final hours, instilling hope and love amidst their heartache.
Recently, in May 2024, the couple welcomed their son, Kai, bringing a sense of joy and hope into their lives. Mahaley dedicated a heartfelt Instagram post to the arrival of their “rainbow boy,” reinforcing that his name carries meanings of triumph and redemption, inspired by his late sister. She joyfully noted, “Yes baby, he’s here. He’s home. And he’s alive. And so am I.”
As Patel continues to push through the challenges of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” his journey reflects a balance of vulnerability and strength, underscoring a compelling narrative of love, loss, and the pursuit of healing.