Who was Dave Fiji? Indian-origin pilot killed in helicopter crash hours after marrying

Dave Fiji, a pilot with Delta Air Lines of Indian origin, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Georgia, United States, just hours after marrying his long-time partner, Jesni.

The couple had boarded a Robinson R66 helicopter for a post-wedding send-off following their ceremony in Dawsonville on Friday night. The aircraft was destined for DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. However, the helicopter crashed in a heavily wooded area near the wedding venue shortly after takeoff. The pilot of the helicopter also perished in the accident.

Jesni survived the crash and is currently recovering in the hospital. Around 400 guests had attended the wedding at The Revere in Dawsonville. According to family members, Dave and Jesni met through church connections and developed a deep partnership. Dave's father, George Fiji, described them as friends who became life partners.

Rescuers took several hours to locate the wreckage in the wooded area. Jesni recounted regaining consciousness inside the helicopter and finding Dave beside her, recognizing he had died. She sustained cuts and bruises but no broken bones. Dave had reportedly expressed concerns about the weather conditions and poor visibility to the helicopter pilot before the flight.

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