Bride Files Lawsuit After Husband's Death in Wedding Night Helicopter Crash
A Georgia bride is suing for damages and accountability after a helicopter promotional flight on her wedding night ended in a fatal crash, killing her husband and the pilot.
A new lawsuit alleges a Georgia bride was forced to lie next to her deceased husband for nearly six hours following a helicopter crash on their wedding night. Jesni Sam married Dave Fiji on May 29 at The Revere, a wedding venue in Dawsonville, Georgia. The couple boarded a Robinson R-66 helicopter for a promotional "helicopter send-off" offered by the venue, which had contracted with Atlanta-based Prestige Helicopters for the flight.
Shortly after takeoff, the helicopter crashed into trees in the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. Dave Fiji, 25, a Delta Airlines pilot, and the helicopter pilot, Nikhil Nargundkar, were killed in the incident. Jesni Sam survived but was severely injured and trapped in the wreckage.
The lawsuit, obtained by the Daily Mail, accuses The Revere and Prestige Helicopters of negligence, alleging they failed to adequately check weather conditions and made a negligent decision to fly despite dangerous weather. Fiji's mother, Phebah, stated that concerns about the weather and poor visibility were initially raised but that the pilot expressed confidence it would not be an issue. NTSB weather information indicated the area may have experienced rain, fog, and low clouds, with advisories for thunderstorms and low visibility in effect.
Jesni Sam suffered injuries to her hip, leg, neck, arm, fingers, and stomach, and continues to experience dizziness, headaches, loss of balance, scarring, PTSD, depression, grief, and anxiety, according to the lawsuit. The suit seeks compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, pain, emotional suffering, and permanent scarring. Damages for Fiji's death, including lost income and funeral expenses, are also sought on behalf of his estate.
Andrew Robb, an attorney for the plaintiffs, stated that the client seeks answers and accountability and will fight to prevent similar tragedies. The lawsuit's claims are allegations that have not been proven in court, and the companies' responses were not included in the provided records. A specific compensation amount is not listed, with the filing asking a jury to determine damages. The law firm representing Jesni Sam also represented Vanessa Bryant in litigation related to the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant.