In a tragic helicopter crash, a newlywed Delta Air Lines regional pilot was killed just a few hours after his wedding. The crash killed the 25-year-old groom, Dave Fiji, while his wife, Jesni Fiji, was hospitalized after the accident. According to Atlanta News First, she is recovering at a metro Atlanta hospital.

The two were headed for their honeymoon after the wedding when the Robinson R66 helicopter crashed in Georgia into a wooded area near Dawsonville on May 29. Another pilot who was manning the aircraft also died, while Jesni only had minor bruises and cuts.

The reason behind the crash is suspected to be bad weather and fog, which led to reduced visibility. The two got married at The Revere near Dawsonville. They left the venue around 9:30 p.m. for their honeymoon. The helicopter crashed right after taking off. The Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and local fire agency responded to reports of the crash at 10:35 p.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an inquiry to learn more about the crash and the weather conditions at the time. Endeavour Air, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, released a statement that reads, “The loss of a colleague and friend is deeply felt, and we know this news may be especially difficult for those who knew and worked alongside him.” Fiji joined the airline in March 2025 and was known for his passion and hard work.

Jesni is a nurse who survived the horrific crash. She was stuck in the helicopter wreckage for five hours and was rescued when the emergency crew reached the remote crash site.

The family members are grieving after such a massive loss. A moment that was supposed to be a cherished memory has become a tragedy for the family. The groom’s father told People, “He was a precious child, he was a gift from God for us. We could say it was the perfect wedding. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”

He pointed out that the weather was misty and foggy that night, and Dave was worried about the visibility. “I wouldn’t fly, we would not fly in this visibility,” he told his father.

His mother, Pheba, added, “Both of them told us they could sense the presence of God at the altar, a tangible presence of God. There was a special glow and glory over his face that we couldn’t explain. And it was not just us who noticed.”

Pheba said Jesni is “devastated, but she’s recovering,” and will be out of the hospital in a few days.