- Dave Fiji, 25, tragically died in a helicopter crash shortly after leaving his wedding in Dawsonville, Georgia.
- His new bride, Jessni, survived the crash and was trapped in the wreckage for hours.
- The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.
DAWSONVILLE, GEORGIA — Weeks after a bride’s wedding was wrecked after a bizarre arrest, another wedding story has ended in heartbreak. This time, a Georgia groom died in a helicopter crash moments after leaving his own wedding, while his new bride survived.
Dave Fiji, 25, married his bride, Jessni, on Friday in Dawsonville. Family members said hundreds of guests had gathered for what felt like a perfect wedding.
The couple planned to leave the celebration by helicopter around 9:30 p.m. and travel to Atlanta to begin their honeymoon.
Fog Delayed the Flight
According to Dave’s family, foggy weather caused concern before the helicopter took off.
Dave was also a pilot and reportedly worried about the poor visibility. His father, George Fiji, said Dave had told them he would not fly in those conditions.
Despite the concern, the couple and the helicopter pilot eventually decided to take off. The plan was reportedly to climb to a higher altitude to get above the fog.
Within minutes, the helicopter crashed into a wooded area near the wedding venue.
Groom and Pilot Killed
Dave and the helicopter pilot both died in the crash.
Jessni survived, but she was trapped in the wreckage for hours. Dave’s father said she later remembered waking up under the wreckage and finding Dave lying on her chest.
Jessni, who is a nurse, tried to call out to him and check on him, but he had already died.
Rescuers reached the crash site about five hours later and were able to free her.
Bride Survives With Cuts and Bruises
Family members said Jessni suffered severe bruising and cuts, but no broken bones.
She is expected to leave the hospital within days. Still, relatives said she is devastated by the death of her husband.
Dave’s mother, Pheba, remembered him as kind, gentle, and selfless. His family said he and Jessni were deeply religious and had known each other for about 10 years after meeting at church.
Investigation Underway
Officials have not yet said exactly what caused the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation. Investigators are expected to review the weather, flight path, aircraft condition, and any decisions made before takeoff.
For Dave and Jessni’s families, the crash turned a joyful wedding night into a sudden tragedy.
To view more cases involving wedding tragedies, deadly accidents, and unexpected disasters, check out our video here:
