Imagine losing your newborn child just five days after they enter the world. This is the devastating reality actor Ravi Patel faced, a tragedy he bravely opens up about in the latest episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. But here’s where it gets even more heart-wrenching—Patel’s vulnerability surfaces not in a moment of weakness, but during a high-stakes confrontation with the show’s notoriously tough directing staff (DS).
In tonight’s episode, Patel, known for his quick wit and humor, finds himself in hot water after repeatedly breaking the rules by talking out of turn. In a surprising move, he attempts to connect with DS Jason ‘Foxy’ Fox, only to be met with a harsh rebuke. ‘I enjoy our conversations, staff,’ Patel says, hoping to build rapport, to which Fox coldly replies, ‘I don’t … dimwit.’
This exchange isn’t entirely unexpected. In a confessional filmed before the selection process, Patel admits, ‘The DS, they don’t like people who are funny, especially if they’re sarcastic. So, this is gonna go really well for me.’ He cheekily acknowledges that his humor is a ‘defense mechanism,’ adding, ‘I’d love for them to like me, but I think they’re gonna hate me.’
And this is the part most people miss—Patel’s lighthearted demeanor masks a profound grief. During a tense interrogation in the mirror room, a space designed to expose recruits’ vulnerabilities, he reveals the darkest chapter of his life: the loss of his daughter, Saachi, just five days after her birth. ‘It was the worst time in my life,’ he shares, his voice heavy with emotion. ‘My older daughter, who was six at the time, was distraught. Everyone was a mess.’
Saachi’s passing was caused by meconium aspiration, a rare but life-threatening condition where a newborn inhales meconium—a sticky substance that forms their first stool. While meconium typically passes within 48 hours after birth, in some cases, it’s expelled during labor, posing a severe risk if inhaled. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this can block or irritate the baby’s airways, damage lung tissue, and lead to respiratory issues. For Saachi, the consequences were tragically fatal.
Here’s where it gets controversial—Patel’s decision to bring his older daughter to meet Saachi in the hospital, knowing the severity of her condition, raises questions. Was it the right choice to expose a young child to such heartbreak? Or was it an act of love, ensuring Saachi was surrounded by family in her final moments? Patel reflects, ‘I said, ‘Alright, I want my daughter to meet her.’ We hung out together with Saachi, cried together, all that stuff. It was hard.’
This episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s a raw exploration of emotional resilience. Patel’s story challenges us to consider how we confront grief and whether vulnerability can be a strength. What do you think? Was Patel’s decision to involve his older daughter in Saachi’s final moments a brave act of love or a difficult choice that could have been avoided? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For those eager to watch this powerful episode, Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on FOX. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it live on platforms like Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. New episodes are also available Friday mornings on Hulu and FOX One, which is currently offering a one-week free trial. Don’t miss this poignant and thought-provoking installment—it’s a reminder that even in the toughest battles, humanity and compassion endure.
