A Georgia groom was tragically killed in a helicopter crash just moments after leaving what his family described as a "perfect wedding."
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Dave Fiji, 25, died on Friday after a helicopter departed his wedding celebration in Dawsonville.
Remarkably, his new bride, Jessni Fiji, survived the crash with cuts and bruises.
Helicopter Crash Turns Dream Wedding Into Tragedy
The newlyweds had planned to leave their reception at around 9:30 p.m. and travel to Atlanta to begin their honeymoon.
However, foggy conditions reportedly delayed takeoff after Fiji, who was also a pilot, raised concerns about the weather.
Despite the poor visibility, the helicopter eventually departed with the couple onboard.
According to reports, the pilot intended to fly at a higher altitude to avoid the fog but encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff.
The helicopter then plunged from the sky and crashed into a wooded area nearby.
Fiji and the pilot both died in the crash, while Jessni survived.
"She said when she woke up, she was under the rubble," Fiji's father, George Fiji, told WSB-TV. "She woke up and saw him lying on her chest."
"When she touched him, she called out to him. He was already cold."
Bride Survives Crash but Faces Heartbreaking Loss
Jessni reportedly remained trapped in the wreckage for around five hours before rescue crews located and freed her.
Despite the severity of the crash, she suffered no broken bones and sustained only what the family described as "severe bruises and cuts." She was expected to leave the hospital within days.
Family members said the emotional impact of losing her husband has been devastating.
"He was kind, he was gentle, he was selfless. Those were her words," said Fiji's mother, Pheba Fiji. "We have the confidence that God perfected the work that he started in his life."
The couple met at church a decade ago and shared a deep Christian faith.
"Both of them told us they could sense the presence of God at the altar, a tangible presence of God," Pheba added.
"There was a special glow and glory over his face that we couldn't explain. And it was not just us who noticed."
The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation into the crash.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the accident, and further details are expected as the investigation continues.
