Country music songwriter Brett James – known for hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Yester Came the Wheel” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Side” – died in a crash crash on an airplane along with his wife and stepdaughter.
He was 57 years old.
The Cirrus SR22T, a James-registered small-engine plane, went down Thursday afternoon near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, WLOS reported.
The plane had departed from Nashville a few hours ago.
“A Cirrus SR22T crashed at a field in Franklin, North Carolina on Thursday, September 18th around 3pm local time.
“The FAA and the National Road Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be responsible for the investigation and provide further updates.”
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and WZTV confirmed that James had died on a plane.
“We lament the premature loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (“Jesus says when the sun sets, “Jesus becomes a circle”/”The sun sets”).
According to the Daily Mail, the other two on the plane were the musician’s 59-year-old wife Melody Carole Wilson and her 28-year-old daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson, celebrating their birthdays a day before the fatal crash.
“Happy birthday my love!! Are you blessed to be your mom!” Melody, who married James in August 2021, wrote on Instagram on Wednesday along with the carousel in Merrill’s photo.
“You are the most beautiful and amazing person! I am humble and grateful for your illustrious presence in my life every day!
Merrill wrote on her Instagram page: “I’m 28 years old.”
The Macon County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook that students and staff at Iotla Valley Elementary School are safe following the “accident” that occurred on “neighborhood properties.”
As for James, he was survived by four adult children. He shared with his first wife, Sandra Cornelius Little.
He wrote the 27th song during his career and won a Grammy Award for “Yes Take the Wheel.”
In addition to Underwood and Chesney, James also worked with Taylor Swift, Martina McBride and Jason Aldean.
