While the music world is mourning the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, devastating details are emerging. James is remembered for his timeless country hits and deep love for family. Now, as per Nashville’s WZTV, James, 57, was on board a small plane that crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, alongside his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28. The tragic accident happened near Iotla Valley Elementary School around 3 p.m. local time, according to Nashvilleâs WZTV.
The Cirrus SR22T aircraft had departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville at 12:41 p.m. and went down just over two hours later in an open field near the school. While the Macon County Sheriffâs Office confirmed no students or staff were harmed, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that there were no survivors. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed Jamesâ death in a statement shared on social media: âWe mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (âJesus Take the Wheelâ / âWhen the Sun Goes Downâ), a 2020 inductee who was killed in a small-engine airplane crash on September 18. He was 57.â
Wife Melody & Stepdaughter Meryl Identified Among Victims
Multiple outlets, including the New York Times and Daily Mail, reported that Jamesâ wife, Melody, and her daughter, Meryl, were also on board. The tragedy came just one day after Meryl celebrated her 28th birthday.
On Instagram, Melody had honored her daughter with a heartfelt post: âHappy Birthday, my Love!! How Blessed am I to be your Momma! Youâre the MOST BEAUTIFUL, ULTIMATELY AMAZING HUMAN inside and out! God has already used you for His Kingdom in so many ways and so much more to come!â
Meryl herself wrote on Instagram, â28 years old.⨠142 days sober.⨠Extremely happy to be here ð¤â¨ð«¶ð¼.â
Brett Jamesâ Final Instagram Posts Highlighted Family Joy
In the months leading up to the tragedy, James had shared heartwarming glimpses of family life on Instagram. On June 16, he posted a joyful photo surrounded by family and friends, writing, âSuch an amazing Fatherâs Day!!â Just days earlier, he had posted a beach selfie with Melody, captioning it, âSo much fun with my love in the Bahamas.â
These posts now serve as bittersweet reminders of the joy James found in his family, making his sudden loss even more devastating for fans and loved ones.
Country Stars Pay Tribute to a Grammy-Winning Legacy
James leaves behind an unparalleled career, with 27 No. 1 hits to his name. He co-wrote Carrie Underwoodâs “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova,” as well as Kenny Chesneyâs “When the Sun Goes Down,” Tim McGrawâs “Telluride,” and Jason Aldeanâs “The Truth,” among many others. He won a Grammy Award in 2007 for “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
McGraw remembered him in a heartfelt post: âSo heartbroken to hear about the passing of Brett James. Brett was one of the most talented and most respected songwriters in Nashville and wrote some of my personal favorite songs I ever recorded, ‘Telluride’ and ‘Drugs or Jesus.’â
Dierks Bentley called him a true friend and collaborator, adding that their song âI Hold On âchanged my life.â Aldean wrote, âHonored to have met him and worked with him.â
James is survived by his four adult children from his first marriage to Sandra Cornelius-Little. His legacy continues to live on through the countless songs that defined country music and touched fans around the world.
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