Helicopter Crash Georgia: What happened to Dave Fiji and his wife a few hours after their wedding? What concerns did Dave Fiji have about the weather before the helicopter flight? For how long was bride Jessie trapped under the debris after the accident and what did she see when she regained consciousness?
Every marriage brings with it new dreams, new hopes and a new beginning. But for a newly married couple in the US state of Georgia, this new beginning within a few hours turned into a tragedy that no one could have imagined. The happiness of marriage was not yet over when the helicopter accident left the entire family in deep shock.
Indian-origin professional pilot Dave Fiji died in a helicopter crash, hours after their wedding, while his wife Jessie was seriously injured. The most painful thing was that Jessie remained trapped in the debris of the crashed helicopter in the forest for almost six hours.
Special farewell after marriage became the reason for the accident
Dave Fizzy and Jessie’s wedding ceremony was held on Friday at ‘The Riviere’ wedding venue in Dawsonville, Georgia. About 400 guests attended this function. There was a festive atmosphere among family, relatives and friends.
After the wedding, a special helicopter farewell was arranged for the newly married couple. According to the plan, Dave and Jessie Robinson were to fly to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport by R66 helicopter, from where they were to spend the night in Atlanta. But shortly after take off, the helicopter crashed and the atmosphere of joy turned into mourning.
“My son was on the happiest day of his life.”
Dave’s father George Fiji told the media that his son was very happy on the wedding day.
He said, “I was looking at him and could feel his happiness. He was enjoying the most beautiful day of his life. He was very happy and full of confidence.”
According to the family, Dave and Jessie met through the church community. With time, the friendship between the two deepened and then this relationship turned into love. Ultimately both of them decided to get married and start a new life.
Fulfilled childhood dream and became a pilot
Dave Fiji was associated with the aviation sector since childhood. According to the family, he always wanted to become a pilot and he fulfilled his dream through hard work. He later got a job as a first officer at Delta Air Lines. According to family and colleagues, Dave was a disciplined, responsible and experienced professional pilot who loved flying.
Had already expressed concern about the weather
According to the information revealed after the accident, Dave had expressed concern about the weather before the flight. Dave’s father said that by the time the wedding ceremony ended, dense fog and rain had started in the area. Visibility was extremely reduced.
According to him, Dave had told the helicopter pilot that it was not safe to fly in such conditions. He had clearly stated that flying is not normally done in such poor visibility. However, the family claims that the helicopter pilot decided to continue the journey by asking them to fly at a higher altitude.
Helicopter fell in dense forest
Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter crashed in a densely wooded area near Dawsonville. The dense forest and difficult geographical conditions proved to be a major challenge for the relief and rescue teams. It took several hours to locate the accident site, due to which the rescue operation was delayed. The family says that if the debris had been found sooner, the situation might have been different.
Bride stuck under debris for six hours
The most painful aspect of the accident is Jesni’s ordeal. According to the family, Jessie remained trapped in the debris of the helicopter for about six hours after the accident. When he regained consciousness, he found himself amidst a broken helicopter.
George Fiji told that Jessie told him that when he opened his eyes, Dave’s head was resting on his chest. There was blood on his body. Jesni is a nurse by profession. Due to his medical training he immediately understood the situation and realized that Dave was no longer alive. This feeling was more painful for him than any physical injury.
Got hurt, but didn’t lose courage
Jesni suffered injuries and cuts at many places on her body in the accident. However, it is a matter of relief that none of his bones were broken. According to the family, his treatment is ongoing and his physical condition is improving. But the shock of losing your husband after a few hours of marriage is very deep. George Fiji said that Jessie is completely broken, but she is slowly trying to come out of this difficult period.
NTSB started investigation
The accident is now being investigated by America’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The investigating agencies are examining all aspects including weather conditions, technical condition of the helicopter, flight route and decisions taken by the pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that a total of three people were on board the helicopter. The initial investigation report may come out within the next 30 days.
Both families are related to Kerala
Dave Fiji’s parents are originally from Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Jesni’s family is from Alappuzha district of Kerala. The news of this accident has caused deep sorrow in the Indian community of America as well as in Kerala.
“God gave the perfect marriage, then everything changed”
Despite his son’s untimely death, George Fiji cited his religious faith as a basis of strength. “God gave us a perfect wedding day. But a few hours later, everything changed. We have a lot of questions in our minds, but we believe we will find peace and answers only from God,” she said emotionally.
This accident once again reminds us how uncertain life is. The day that Dave and Jenny considered the most beautiful day of their lives, became a never-healing wound for their family.