The music world is mourning the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James after a private plane registered to him crashed near an elementary school in Franklin, North Carolina, at 3 p.m. on Sept. 18, according to Nashville’s WZTV. James, 57, was on board with his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. Just months earlier, he had shared heartfelt Instagram posts celebrating family moments, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Brett James’ Final Instagram Posts Captured Family Moments
Months before the tragedy, James gave fans tender glimpses into his personal life on Instagram. On June 16, he posted a joyful photo surrounded by family and friends on a deck, writing, “Such an amazing Father’s Day!!”
Just days earlier, he had shared a smiling beach selfie with his wife, Melody, captioning it, “So much fun with my love in the Bahamas.” The posts reflected the happiness he found in family moments, making them all the more poignant in light of his sudden passing.
Crash Occurred Days After Stepdaughter’s 28th Birthday
Page Six report claims that the tragedy struck just days after Meryl marked her 28th birthday. Melody celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, writing,
“Happy Birthday my Love!! How Blessed am I to be your Momma! You’re the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out!”
According to flight records, James’ plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville on Sept. 18 at 12:41 p.m. A little over two hours later, it crashed in an open field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were no survivors.
Country Stars Pay Tribute to Grammy-Winning Songwriter
James’ songwriting left a lasting legacy in country music, shaping the sound of a generation of hits. He co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Cowboy Casanova,” Tim McGraw’s “Telluride,” Jason Aldean’s “The Truth,” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down,” among countless others.
McGraw shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing, “So 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.’”
Dierks Bentley remembered him as a close friend and collaborator, saying their work on “I Hold On” “changed my life.” Aldean echoed the sentiment, adding, “Honored to have met him and worked with him.”
James won a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Country Song with Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” The track also earned a nomination for Song of the Year. He was twice named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year and collaborated with some of Nashville’s biggest names.
The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) posted on Instagram, “We’re mourning the loss of Brett James, co-writer of ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ & ‘When the Sun Goes Down’… Brett, your ASCAP family misses you dearly. Thank you for your unforgettable music.”
James is survived by his adult children, whom he shared with his ex-wife Sandra Cornelius-Little. His legacy continues through his songs, which remain woven into the soundtrack of country music.
