Texas helicopter crash: Newlywed couple killed less than two hours after getting married

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

A newlywed couple were killed an hour and a half after tying the knot after the helicopter they left the ceremony in crashed.

Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman, both university students, had their “fairytale wedding” at a ranch in Texas.

They departed from the venue, which is owned by a member of the groom’s family, by helicopter and the aircraft went down just over a mile away.

It is not clear if they were flying to another location or taking a tour of the area.

The crash was confirmed by authorities and the wreckage was located by Ulvade Country Sherrif’s Office, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

The pilot also died in the incident.

Many friends and family who attended the event paid tributes to the couple on social media.

Jessica Stilley, the bride’s maid of honour said: “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.

“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.”

Another friend of the couple, Madi Wagner, said: "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."

Both Mr Byler and Ms Ackerman were students at Sam Houston State University and had grown up together.

They were frequently photographed together at rodeo shows.

The student newspaper from the university, the Houstonian, paid tribute to the couple.

"It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the tragic passing of two Bearkats Will Byler (Agriculture Engineering senior) and Bailee Ackerman Byler (Agricultural Communication senior) in a helicopter accident departing their wedding," the paper wrote.