Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Indian-Origin Newlyweds in Georgia
Heartbreaking Incident Post-Wedding
In a tragic turn of events, two individuals of Indian descent, including a newlywed groom, lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Georgia, as reported by various media outlets.
Following their wedding on Friday evening, Dave Fiji and his wife Jesni boarded a Robinson R66 helicopter, piloted by Nikhil Nargundkar, intending to fly to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. Unfortunately, the helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff due to adverse weather conditions.
The crash, which occurred near the wedding venue in Dawsonville, resulted in the deaths of 26-year-old Dave and pilot Nargundkar. Jesni, aged 25, survived the incident and is currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Atlanta.
The pilot has been identified as Nargundkar by local news sources.
Both Dave and Jesni hailed from families with roots in Kerala, India. Dave was also a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines, according to reports.
Approximately 400 guests attended their wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville on Friday night.
After the wedding festivities, the couple took the helicopter for a special send-off before spending their first night together at a hotel in downtown Atlanta. Tragically, the helicopter crashed in a densely wooded area shortly after takeoff.
The aircraft went down on a 10,000-acre property owned by the City of Atlanta, as reported by local news.
Dave's father, George Fiji, expressed his grief, stating, "My son was so happy." He mentioned that it took rescuers a significant amount of time to locate the helicopter, and Jesni was trapped in the wreckage for nearly six hours before help arrived.
George recounted Jesni's harrowing experience, saying, "When she woke up, she saw my son Dave resting on her bosom. She saw blood on him, and by then his body was completely cold. She’s a nurse, so she knew he was gone."
Despite suffering cuts and bruises, Jesni is recovering but is heartbroken over the loss.
Dave had voiced concerns about the flight due to deteriorating weather conditions and poor visibility.
George noted that Jesni later mentioned the pilot had assured them they would fly at a higher altitude.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
George reflected on the sudden shift from joy to tragedy, stating, "God granted us a perfect wedding, and within a few hours, everything changed into tragedy. The only place we can find answers and peace is in God."
He fondly remembered watching his son on his wedding day, saying, "I was just standing there watching my son and admiring him. He looked so handsome."
The couple had met through church connections between South Carolina and Georgia.