No, brysis was not there, but neither was ANY experienced pilot. None of us KNOW if his controls were rigged to run in the correct direction, if the plane was actually in balance, if he was climbing into a stall or what ACTUALLY happened. Under the best of conditions, there may still be some guessing here. THIS is why it is recommended that you get with an experienced pilot at the minimum for your first flight. I am truly sorry for your loss and hope you continue to fly but again STRONGLY urge you to seek competent assistance in learning. []
Best of luck in figuring out what went wrong.

Bruce