The music world mourns the loss of acclaimed songwriter Brett James, who died tragically in a small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina. The 57-year-old James, known for his prolific contributions to country and pop music, was one of three fatalities in the incident that occurred Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. local time. A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field adjacent to Iotla Valley Elementary School, thankfully causing no harm to students or staff. Authorities confirmed that there were no survivors.
James's career spanned over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. His songwriting credits include the iconic Carrie Underwood hit, "Jesus, Take the Wheel," a Grammy Award-winning song that cemented his place in country music history. Beyond Underwood, his compositions enriched the catalogs of numerous celebrated artists such as Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Aldean, showcasing his versatility and talent. Born in Columbia, Missouri, in 1968, James's influence on the country music landscape will be felt for generations to come.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide further updates as they become available. The sudden and unexpected loss of this incredibly talented artist is a devastating blow to the music community and his many fans.
---
Originally published at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/songwriter-brett-james-3-killed-small-plane-crash/story?id=125727543
