Songwriter Brett James and two others killed in plane crash in North Carolina.

Brett James, a distinguished Grammy-winning songwriter renowned for the country music hit “Jesus Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday. He was 57 years old. James was traveling with his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, both of whom also perished in the incident.

The accident involved a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The plane crashed into a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School, shortly after departure, around 3 p.m. local time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were no survivors among the three occupants aboard. Investigations are currently underway, with the National Transportation Safety Board leading the inquiry into the cause of the crash, in cooperation with the FAA.

Melody Wilson, 59, was James’ spouse, while her daughter Meryl Maxwell was just two days past her 28th birthday at the time of the crash. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed the identities of the victims, highlighting the profound loss to James’s family and the wider music community.

James, a Missouri native born on June 5, 1968, initially pursued a career in medicine before shifting his focus to music. His songwriting talents garnered him significant acclaim, leading to collaborations with many of country music’s luminaries, including Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban. In addition to “Jesus Take the Wheel,” which became a defining hit for Carrie Underwood, he co-wrote a string of successful songs, such as “Out Last Night” for Kenny Chesney and “Summer Nights” for Rascal Flatts. Over his career, James authored more than 500 songs that contributed to collective album sales exceeding 110 million copies.

James’s influence in the music industry was underscored by his recognition as Country Songwriter of the Year and his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. He also served on various industry boards, including the Country Music Association, and was a national trustee of The Recording Academy. He is survived by four adult children from his previous marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little.

In the wake of this tragedy, condolences are pouring in from colleagues and fans alike, with many reflecting on James’s significant contributions to the music landscape. His legacy, marked by his impactful songwriting and artistry, will be remembered in the hearts of those he influenced and inspired throughout his career.

An update on the ongoing investigation is expected as authorities seek to determine the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.