A Georgia bride survived a horrific helicopter crash minutes after her wedding ceremony, spending six hours trapped in the wreckage with the body of her new husband lying on top of her, according to a newly filed lawsuit. Jesni Sam is seeking accountability from the wedding venue and the aviation company involved in the fatal incident that killed her husband, Dave Fiji, and the pilot.
Background
Dave Fiji and Jesni Sam were married on May 29 at The Revere, a wedding venue located in Dawsonville, Georgia, approximately 60 miles northeast of Atlanta. As part of the venue’s offerings, the couple utilized a "Helicopter Send-Off" service from a helipad on the property. However, the lawsuit filed in DeKalb County State Court alleges that the takeoff proceeded despite "dangerous and deteriorating weather conditions." Within minutes of departure, the aircraft crashed into trees in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area.
The tragedy claimed the lives of Dave Fiji and the pilot, Nikhil Nargundkar. Sam survived the impact but was pinned in the "mangled wreckage." Her legal team, Robb & Robb, described the harrowing experience: "For nearly six hours, Jesni remained trapped in the rubble, with the deceased corpse of the man she had married only hours earlier lying on top of her," the lawsuit states.
The Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash but has not yet determined an official cause. Preliminary findings indicated no known mechanical issues with the aircraft, pointing instead to poor weather conditions. According to the lawsuit, the National Weather Service had issued alerts for the area warning of thunderstorms, low clouds, and fog, which the pilot allegedly failed to consider.
Phebah Fiji, the deceased groom's mother, told local Fox affiliate WAGA that Dave Fiji, who was a pilot himself, had questioned Nargundkar about the low visibility before takeoff. "With [Nargundkar's] confidence, and since Dave doesn't fly helicopters, he went with his perspective … since it's just a 20- to 25-minute flight," Phebah Fiji said. The lawsuit argues the tragedy was "utterly preventable" and that the defendants acted negligently by ignoring the weather warnings.
The Charges
Jesni Sam has filed a wrongful death and negligence lawsuit against Prestige Helicopters Inc. and The Revere wedding venue. The suit claims the defendants failed to account for dangerous weather conditions, leading to the fatal crash. Plaintiff lawyers from Robb & Robb, a firm known for representing the family of Kobe Bryant in a similar aviation case, argue that the venue and helicopter company were responsible for the deaths and Sam’s resulting injuries. Sam suffered "profound physical injuries," including permanent scarring and ongoing headaches.
Key Takeaways
- Newlyweds Dave Fiji and Jesni Sam died or were injured in a helicopter crash shortly after their May 29 wedding in Dawsonville, Georgia.
- The lawsuit alleges the pilot ignored National Weather Service warnings about thunderstorms and low visibility.
- Jesni Sam was trapped under her husband’s body in the wreckage for nearly six hours.
- The NTSB investigation noted no mechanical failures, highlighting weather as a primary factor.
- Robb & Robb, the firm representing Sam, previously represented the Kobe Bryant family in aviation litigation.
- The lawsuit seeks damages for wrongful death and negligence from Prestige Helicopters Inc. and The Revere.
- Dave Fiji had expressed concern about visibility to the pilot before the flight, according to his mother.
- The crash occurred in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area in Georgia.
- Sam suffers from permanent scarring and ongoing headaches as a result of the crash.