Dawson County Mourns Dave Fiji, 26, After Wedding Send-Off Helicopter Crash In Georgia On May 29, 2026
Dave Fiji, a 26-year-old commercial pilot based in Atlanta, died after a Robinson R66 helicopter went down in Dawson County, Georgia, on May 29, 2026.
Fiji had married Jesni earlier that day in Dawsonville, and the aircraft departed from The Revere venue around 10:30 p.m. for a short post-wedding flight toward Atlanta.
The aircraft came down in a heavily wooded area near the ceremony location after conditions reportedly changed quickly following takeoff.
Pilot Nikhil Nargundkar also died in the crash, while Jesni survived and remained under medical care at a metro Atlanta hospital as of Sunday.
Family members said Fiji had voiced concern about worsening weather before the flight.
Fiji worked as a first officer with Delta Air Lines, and family roots traced back to Kerala, India.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration opened an inquiry, with a preliminary report expected in the coming weeks.
Memorial and funeral service details will be announced later by family members.
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