Groom, pilot killed in Georgia helicopter crash; bride injured

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – A couple who had just celebrated their wedding were among the three people aboard a helicopter that crashed in Dawson County Friday night, according to family members.

ORIGINAL STORY: Helicopter crashed with 3 on board in Dawson County

Newlyweds among victims in helicopter crash

What we know:

The victims have been identified as Dave Fiji and his bride, Jesni Fiji. 

Dave’s mother confirmed their identities to FOX 5 Atlanta. Dave died in the crash, while Jesni was injured. 

The third person on board was the pilot, who was identified as Nikhil Nargundkar by the Dawson County coroner. Nargundkar also died as a result of the crash. 

The newlyweds were reportedly leaving their wedding celebration when the helicopter went down.

Leaning on faith

What they’re saying:

Fiji’s family told FOX 5 Atlanta that they assumed everything was okay once the newlyweds boarded the helicopter after their wedding. Over the next few hours, the family said everything started falling apart. 

“It was a beautiful wedding and a perfect wedding,” said Fiji George, Dave’s father. 

Fiji said he tried calling his son, but became concerned when he didn’t receive a reply. 

“We were trying to reach Dave, we texted him, called him so many times we didn’t get any response after the helicopter was sent off,” Fiji explained. 

Dave’s parents said that the helicopter ride was a part of the couple’s wedding package. 

Dave and Jesni Fiji. Courtesy of family

“Initially, it was going to be called off because of weather concerns; however, when the chopper came in, the pilot was very confident that it wouldn’t be an issue, even though it had started raining,” said Phebah Fiji, Dave’s mother. 

Phebah said her son worked as a pilot for Endeavor Air and raised concerns about low visibility. 

“With his confidence, and since Dave doesn’t fly helicopters, you know, he went with his perspective of being able to make them, since it’s just a 20- to 25-minute flight data takeoff,” Phebah explained. 

Dave’s wife, Jesni, was also on board when the plane crashed and remains hospitalized. 

“She’s devastated, but slowly, slowly she’s getting better,” Fiji said.
 
The family says they are leaning on their faith as they mourn their son. 

“Our job was to bring him up in the ways of God. I believe God has given us grace to do that. And when he saw him fit, he took him home,” Fiji said. 

Crash under federal investigation

What we know:

The Robinson R66 helicopter crashed in a wooded area near Dawsonville around 10:35 p.m. Friday.

Emergency crews from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office and local fire and EMS agencies responded to reports of a downed aircraft and secured the scene. Crime scene tape and law enforcement vehicles surrounded the crash site as investigators began documenting evidence.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation and dispatched an investigator to the scene.

The NTSB released new details on Monday, stating the helicopter hit some tall trees in a wooded area before crashing to the ground. There was no fire after the impact. 

What investigators are examining

What’s next:

Federal investigators will inspect the wreckage, review air traffic control communications, radar data, weather conditions, maintenance records and the pilot’s background as they work to determine what caused the crash.

The NTSB is also seeking information from potential witnesses and anyone who may have surveillance or video footage related to the incident.

The Fiji family is in the planning stages of Dave’s funeral and expects Jesni to be released from the hospital soon.