Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash
It was a heartbreaking day in Macon County, North Carolina, when news broke that a small plane had gone down near Iotla Valley Elementary School. The crash happened Thursday afternoon, September 18th, around 3 p.m., and sadly, none of the three people on board survived. Authorities later confirmed that one of the victims was Brett James, the acclaimed American songwriter and member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was just 57 years old.
The plane involved was identified as a Cirrus SR22T, a small single-engine aircraft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, it had taken off earlier that day from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. Its destination was never reached, and the aircraft went down in a field near the elementary school in Franklin, North Carolina. Thankfully, officials confirmed that all students and staff at the school were safe, though the crash site was alarmingly close to school grounds.
Also Read:The Macon County Sheriff’s Office quickly secured the area, while first responders worked through the scene. The FAA released a statement confirming the details and noted that the National Transportation Safety Board would be leading the investigation into what caused the crash. An investigator from the NTSB was expected to arrive the following day to gather evidence and provide updates. The tail number of the aircraft, N218VB, was registered to Brett James himself out of Brentwood, Tennessee, making the tragedy feel even more personal.
Brett James’s passing leaves a deep void in the music world. Over the years, he wrote or co-wrote dozens of hit songs that shaped country and pop music. Many will remember him for “Jesus Take the Wheel,” a song made famous by Carrie Underwood, and for “When the Sun Goes Down,” recorded by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker. His music was not only commercially successful but also deeply influential, earning him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In the immediate aftermath, tributes began pouring in across social media from fans, colleagues, and artists who had worked with him or been touched by his songs. His ability to write music that connected with millions was celebrated, even as the shock of his sudden death set in.
For now, investigators are piecing together what might have gone wrong in those final moments before the crash. The FAA and NTSB will eventually release a preliminary report, but answers may take time. In the meantime, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost—especially that of Brett James, whose talent and creativity will continue to resonate through the songs he left behind.
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change. While the investigation continues, fans and the music community alike are holding on to the legacy of Brett James, a songwriter whose words and melodies will live on even though his voice has been silenced.
Read More:
0 Comments