In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 26-year-old Indian-origin pilot with Delta Air Lines lost his life in a helicopter crash in Georgia, United States, mere hours after exchanging vows with his bride.
Dave Fiji, whose family roots trace back to Kerala, was en route to his honeymoon when the Robinson R66 helicopter carrying the newlyweds crashed near Dawsonville on Friday. The incident occurred shortly after the couple’s wedding reception at The Revere venue, where around 400 guests had gathered to celebrate.
According to reports by Atlanta News First, the helicopter was heading toward DeKalb-Peachtree Airport as a special sendoff before the pair planned to spend the night at a downtown Atlanta hotel. The crash site was located in a remote wooded area of Dawson County, not far from the wedding venue. Tragically, both Dave Fiji and the helicopter pilot, whose identity has not yet been disclosed by authorities, were killed.
Dave’s bride, Jessni, a nurse by profession, survived the accident with injuries. She was trapped in the wreckage for nearly six hours before rescuers reached her. Speaking to Atlanta News First, Dave’s father, George Fiji, described the emotional scene his daughter-in-law recounted upon regaining consciousness. She found Dave resting against her, with signs indicating he had passed away.
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The couple had known each other for a decade after meeting at New Testament Church. George Fiji shared that his son was overjoyed on his wedding day. However, as a professional pilot himself, Dave had expressed reservations about the weather conditions prior to takeoff, noting zero visibility. According to his father, Dave advised against flying in such conditions, but the helicopter pilot reportedly suggested ascending to a higher altitude.
Jessni is currently recovering at a hospital in metro Atlanta. The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, though no conclusions have been reached yet.
This devastating incident has left the family and community in mourning, marking a sudden end to what should have been the beginning of a new chapter for the young couple
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