A newlywed couple in Texas had just tied the knot and had hopped into their family’s helicopter to be whisked away, when the aircraft crashed into a hill killing them both, and their pilot.
Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman, who were seniors at Sam Houston State University, had taken off in the helicopter from their ceremony which was held at Will’s family ranch on Saturday night. Elated guests cheered on the aircraft and waved light ropes in joy as it began to lift and hover above the trees.
About a mile and change outside of the ranch, the helicopter ‘crashed into the side of a hill,’ according to wedding guest Eric Smith, who took to Facebook with the news.
‘The pilot, Jerry, was also on board. There were no survivors,’ Smith added.
He described the soiree as a fairy tale wedding, and said the couple were surrounded by friends and family as they departed.
They crashed outside of Uvalde, Texas the groom’s grandfather, William Byler confirmed to ABC13.
The Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, game wardens, Border Patrol agents, the Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department and Uvalde Emergency Medical Services searched for the wreckage after beginning the search in the area of Chalk Bluff Park.
They located the wreckage just around daybreak.
Jessica Stilley, Bailee’s maid of honor, paid a heart-wrenching tribute to her best friend.
‘My sweet Bailee Raye, my heart is broken in a million little pieces as I sit here and think of the rest of my life without my best friend.’
The she added, as only a best friend truly can, ‘I’m so sad to even be captioning these pictures with this, but you know I just have to share with everyone how beautiful you looked on your wedding day like I normally would have.’
Jessica recalled crying tears of joy as she helped Bailee get ready for the biggest day of her young life.
‘I’m so happy you married the man of your dreams and found the precious love you deserved with him. We always said we’d find the men to sweep us off our feet one day and boy am I’m so happy you get to be with him in the best forever you could imagine. Thank you for loving me.’
Madi Wagner, a friend of the couple, had poignant words for the couple after the horrific tragedy: ‘I am having a hard time comprehending this whole situation, but I have not once asked why. These two spent their last day on this earth celebrating with their most cherished loved ones- I believe it truly was the best day of their lives.’
‘I know for certain God needed these two sweet souls more than we did here on earth. I know for certain they have made him proud, for the work they have done here on earth as well.’
‘To see all of the people that loved these two so greatly is a blessing. As a Christian i know that God’s hands are upon them and what better honeymoon could anyone ever imagine than entering those gates and spending their first days as husband and wife at God’s right hand,’ Madi continued.