Wedding days should be filled with unadulterated joy and happiness. It’s the one day in your life where you can expect everything to go right … and your family to be left with beautiful memories to last a lifetime.
Spare a thought, then, for the families of Will Byler and Bailee Ackerman Byler, who left their wedding in a helicopter that crashed a mere 90 minutes later.
The couple were both killed in the accident, along with the pilot of the helicopter.
Today, my heart hurts. I received a phone call this morning that i wouldn’t wish upon anyone. I sat down with Will +…
Posted by Madi Harper Photography on Sunday, November 4, 2018
Will’s grandfather, William Byler, confirmed to KTRK that his grandson and bride had died in the tragic crash which occurred on November 3, 2018 near their family ranch in Uvalde, Texas.
Both Will and Bailee were students at Sam Houston State University, with Will studying Agriculture Engineering and his bride Agriculture Communication.
Gerald Green Lawrence has been identified as the pilot in the helicopter crash that killed 2 newlyweds near Uvalde, Texas, just an hour and a half after the wedding. https://t.co/qV6zRjHDil pic.twitter.com/cI3nXaH4Wi
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) November 5, 2018
According to reports, the pilot was identified as Vietnam veteran Gerald Green Lawrence and described as “highly qualified” with 24,000 hours of flying under his belt.
Needless to say, the incident has left a community in shock, as well as providing a stark reminder of life’s harsh unpredictability. Will and Bailee had their whole lives together ahead of them, but their future was stolen in the most dreadful of circumstances.
“These two individuals made a huge impact and will be remembered by their kind hearts and uplifting spirits,” SHSU Student Government Association President David Eller said in a statement.
“By serving in their communities and at the Sam Houston State University on the SHSU Rodeo Team and in various student organizations, Will and Bailee exemplified the university motto, ‘The Measure of a Life is its Service.'”
We’re sending all our thoughts and prayers to the loved ones Will and Bailee left behind. Rest in peace!
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