A NEWLYWED groom was killed in a horror helicopter crash just minutes after saying “I do” – while his bride miraculously survived the wreck.
The 25-year-old died after the aircraft plunged from the sky in Georgia moments after the couple left their wedding reception to begin their honeymoon.
A 25-year-old groom died in a helicopter crash in Georgia minutes after his wedding, while his bride miraculously survived Credit: Facebook/ Jaison Mathew
Dave Fiji, and the pilot were killed when the Robinson R66 helicopter crashed into a remote wooded area Credit: Facebook/ Jaison Mathew
Dave Fiji Jessni in front of hundreds of guests when tragedy struck on Friday night near Dawsonville.
The couple boarded a helicopter after what family described as a dream wedding and were due to fly to Atlanta before spending the night in a downtown hotel.
But shortly after takeoff, the Robinson R66 helicopter crashed into a remote wooded area.
Fiji and the pilot were killed.
His new wife somehow survived, despite being trapped beneath the wreckage for hours.
Fiji’s father George said his son had raised concerns about the weather before the flight.
“He said, ‘I wouldn’t fly, we would not fly in this visibility,’ ” George told WSB-TV .
The reception had wrapped up at around 9.30pm as fog and rain moved into the area.
Family said the pilot planned to climb above the poor conditions after receiving clearance to fly at a higher altitude.
Moments later, the helicopter came down in dense woodland.
Jessni regained consciousness beneath the debris and made a heartbreaking discovery.
“She said when she woke up, she was under the rubble,” George told the outlet.
The bride, Jessni, survived with severe cuts and bruises after being trapped under the wreckage for approximately five hours Credit: Family Handout
The couple had met a decade ago through church and were celebrating their special day with approximately 400 guests Credit: Family Handout
“She woke up and saw him lying on her chest.
“She herself is a nurse. When she touched him, she called out to him. He was already cold.”
Rescuers spent around five hours searching before reaching the crash site and freeing the injured bride.
Remarkably, she suffered severe cuts and bruises but no broken bones and is expected to leave hospital soon.
The couple had met a decade ago through church and family said they had been surrounded by around 400 guests for what should have been the happiest day of their lives.
“We could say it was the perfect wedding,” George said.
“We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Fiji’s mother Pheba said the newlyweds had felt a special sense of joy during the ceremony.
“Both of them told us they could sense the presence of God at the altar, a tangible presence of God,” she told WSB-TV.
“There was a special glow and glory over his face that we couldn’t explain. And it was not just us who noticed.”
The grieving family described Fiji as a devoted Christian who had dreamed of flying since childhood and later became a first officer for Delta Air Lines.
“He was a precious child, he was a gift from God for us,” George said.
“He was God-fearing child. So handsome, beautiful.”
Pheba added: “He was kind, he was gentle, he was selfless. Those were her words. We have the confidence that God perfected the work that he started in his life.”
The cause of the crash remains unclear.
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation and will determine whether weather conditions played a role.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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