Songwriter Brett James plane crash kills wife and step-daughter in North Carolina. Here's all about heart touching tragedy

Songwriter Brett James plane crash has left the music industry in shock. The Grammy-winning songwriter, his wife Melody Carole Wilson, and his step-daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson died when their Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed near Franklin, North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board have started investigations.

Songwriter Brett James plane crash kills wife, step-daughter

Songwriter Brett James plane crash has led to the death of the 57-year-old country music songwriter, his wife, and his step-daughter. James, known for writing Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel and Kenny Chesney’s When the Sun Goes Down, was confirmed among the victims.

Songwriter Brett James plane crash details

The Cirrus SR22T, a small-engine aircraft registered to James, went down on Thursday afternoon, September 18, near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina. Reports confirm the plane had departed earlier from Nashville.




According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash happened around 3 p.m. local time. Three people were on board. The FAA confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause.

Authorities confirmed that no one on the school grounds was harmed. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office stated that students and staff were safe following the incident.

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Brett James confirmed among victims

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and local news confirmed that Brett James was on the aircraft. A social media post from the Hall of Fame shared condolences, noting that James was inducted in 2020 and remembered for his contributions to country music.

The statement read that the organization mourns the loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James, highlighting his works including Jesus Take the Wheel and When the Sun Goes Down.

Family members who died in the crash

Reports from the Daily Mail identified the other victims as James’ wife, 59-year-old Melody Carole Wilson, and her daughter, 28-year-old Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

Meryl had just celebrated her birthday one day before the crash. Melody posted a tribute on Instagram, calling her daughter a gift in her life and celebrating her presence.

Meryl also posted on her own social media, mentioning her milestone of turning 28 and marking 142 days sober. Melody and James had married in August 2021.

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Brett James career and legacy

Brett James had a long career in country music songwriting. He wrote 27 songs that reached the number one position on charts. His work earned him a Grammy Award in 2007 for Jesus Take the Wheel, performed by Carrie Underwood.

He also collaborated with well-known artists including Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, and Kenny Chesney.

James is survived by his four adult children from his first marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little.

Investigation into the songwriter Brett James plane crash accident

The FAA and NTSB have confirmed that they will investigate the crash. The NTSB will take charge and provide further updates as more details emerge about the cause of the accident.

Local authorities have assured the community that the school near the crash site remains safe. The investigation continues as tributes pour in from the country music industry.

FAQs

Who died in the Songwriter Brett James plane crash?

Brett James, his wife Melody Carole Wilson, and his step-daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson died when their small plane crashed near Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, 2025.

What was Brett James known for before the plane crash?

Brett James was a Grammy-winning songwriter with 27 number one hits, including Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel. He worked with Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, and Kenny Chesney.