Newlywed Killed in Helicopter Crash Hours After Wedding

A wedding celebration in Dawson County ended in tragedy Friday night when a helicopter carrying the newlyweds crashed, killing the groom, Dave Fiji, and the pilot. The bride, Jessni, survived the crash but sustained severe injuries and was trapped for five hours before being rescued and transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The couple had departed from their wedding venue, planning to fly to Peachtree-DeKalb Airport for an overnight stay in Atlanta.

Reports indicate that the groom, who was also a pilot for Delta, had expressed concerns about the limited visibility due to foggy and rainy weather conditions. Despite these concerns, the helicopter reportedly received clearance to fly at a higher altitude before it crashed in a remote, wooded mountainous area. The helicopter belonged to Prestige Helicopters, a company that has operated charter flights for wedding venues in north Georgia since 1985.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash, including the potential contribution of weather conditions. The bride's family describes her as devastated but expects her release from the hospital soon, noting she did not break any bones. The groom's parents are finding strength in their Christian faith, remembering their son as a selfless and God-fearing individual.