A tragic accident has left a young bride and groom dead a mere two hours after they'd been married in a fairytale ceremony in Uvalde, Texas.
Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman, a couple who met while studying together at Sam Houston State University, perished along with a pilot when their helicopter crashed into a hill a mere mile away from the ranch they'd been wed at, in the early hours of Sunday, November 4.
Troopers from the State Department of Public Safety, along with a number of Border Patrol agents and members of the local Volunteer Fire Department scoured the surrounding environs to find the fuselage just around daybreak.
On Facebook, maid-of-honor Jessica Stilley paid tribute to the deceased couple, writing: "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."
She added: "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, who was a friend of the pair, wrote "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."
She added: "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."
Tragically, upon announcing her engagement on Instagram, Bailee wrote: "Thank you to everyone who sent us their best wishes when WE GOT ENGAGED!!!' Will and I have the best support system out there, and I honestly cannot truly express how blessed we are. I am in awe of you, Will Byler, and I hope that everyone gets to experience a love like the one we have. Today is the beginning of forever TOGETHER! [sic]"
Our thoughts are with their families and friends during this time of mourning.
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