A young couple from Texas were killed when a helicopter carrying them away from their own wedding crashed late on Saturday night, according to officials.
Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman Byler were both students at Sam Houston State University. Their deaths were first reported by the student newspaper.
The crash occurred near Uvalde, about 85 miles (135km) west of San Antonio.
“I’m absolutely devastated!” wrote one friend on Facebook, adding that the pilot of the aircraft was also killed.
Another friend wrote on Instagram: “I have peace in the fact that you left this earth so full of happiness and love. How awesome to spend your honeymoon with Jesus.
“So thankful we got to spend these last few days with y’all. Our hearts hurt now, but we know this is not forever.”
According to university newspaper the Houstonian, Will Byler had been studying agricultural engineering, and Bailee Ackerman Byler was studying agricultural communication.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the accident involved a Bell 206B – a two-bladed twin-engine helicopter.
The wreckage from the crash was discovered on Sunday morning. Local police say there were multiple fatalities, but have not formally named the victims.
A wedding website created on The Knot showed a statement from the company on Monday saying: “Our deepest sympathies and thoughts are with this family at their great loss.
