Grammy-winning composer Brett James perishes in a disastrous air crash in North Carolina.
In a tragic turn of events, Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James passed away on Thursday in a small-engine plane crash. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. in Franklin, North Carolina, about 270 miles southeast of Nashville.
Brett James, known for his work on Kenny Chesney's "Out Last Night" and Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel," was 57 years old at the time of his death. The plane departed from John C Tune Airport in Nashville.
Three people were on board the plane at the time of the crash, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, the other two individuals who were with Brett James during the accident have not been publicly identified by name in available sources. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced James' death on Instagram, expressing their condolences and remembering him as a "trusted collaborator to country's greatest names" and a "true advocate for his fellow songwriters."
Country singer Dierks Bentley paid tribute to Brett James on Instagram, calling him a "total stud," "fellow aviator," and "one of the best singer-songwriters in our town."
CNN has reached out to the Macon County Sheriff's Office for further information regarding the crash. Data from FlightAware was used to determine the crash location. It is also reported that the plane involved in the crash was registered under James' name.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Brett James during this difficult time.
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