Only One Survives Bride and Groom's Helicopter Exit

A wedding send-off meant to be a short flight ended in tragedy Friday night in north Georgia. Authorities say 25-year-old groom Dave Fiji and pilot Nikhil Nargundkar were killed when their Robinson R66 helicopter went down in a wooded area of Dawson County around 10:35pm; Fiji's new wife, Jesni, survived and remains hospitalized. The couple had just departed what family described as their "perfect wedding" at The Revere, attended by some 400 guests, with the short chopper ride to an airport included in the event package, per Fox News and WAGA.

Family members say the Prestige Helicopters flight was nearly scrapped after Dave, who worked as a pilot but did not fly helicopters, expressed concern about rain and low visibility. However, the pilot expressed confidence, opting to fly at a higher altitude, Dave's father, George, tells WSB. The National Transportation Safety Board says the helicopter struck tall trees before crashing in a wildlife management area. Dave's father says Jesni, a nurse, woke up to find her husband lying dead across her chest and spent the next five hours trapped under rubble. Investigators are now reviewing factors including weather, maintenance records, and the pilot's history, and are asking witnesses or anyone with video to come forward.