Indian-origin pilot dies in US chopper crash hours after wedding, wife survives
PTC News Desk: An Indian-origin pilot was killed in chopper crash in the United States hours after celebrating his wedding, while his wife survived the deadly crash.
What began as a dream wedding for a young Indian-origin couple ended in tragedy when a helicopter carrying them crashed shortly after takeoff, killing the groom and the pilot while leaving the bride seriously injured.
Dave Fiji, 25, an Atlanta resident and pilot with Delta Air Lines, died when the five-seater Robinson helicopter crashed near Dawsonville in Dawson County on Friday. His wife, Jessni, survived the crash and remains hospitalized with injuries.
The couple had tied the knot earlier that day at The Revere, a popular wedding venue near Dawsonville. Family members said hundreds of guests attended the ceremony, which they described as perfect.
Dave's parents, George and Pheba Fiji, originally hail from Muvattupuzha in Kerala's Ernakulam district before emigrating to the United States. Jessni's family traces its roots to Alappuzha.
"He was a precious child, he was a gift from God for us... So handsome, beautiful," George Fiji told local media, recalling his son.
According to the family, the newlyweds had planned to leave the venue by helicopter and fly to Peachtree–DeKalb Airport before spending the night at a hotel in downtown Atlanta. However, weather conditions worsened as the reception came to an end.
George Fiji said Jessni remained trapped beneath wreckage and fallen trees for nearly five hours before rescue teams reached her.
Despite suffering multiple cuts and bruises, Jessni did not sustain any broken bones. Family members said she is physically recovering but remains devastated by the loss of her husband on what was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives.
- With inputs from agencies
