Plane crash claims life of Grammy-winning musician Brett James, close to an elementary school
In a tragic turn of events, a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina has claimed the life of renowned songwriter Brett James. The Cirrus SR22T plane, carrying three individuals, crashed in a field around 3 p.m. on Thursday, 18th September, 2025.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the incident, and the investigation into the cause of the crash is currently being carried out by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, FAA, and National Transportation Safety Board.
Brett James, a 57-year-old singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee, was one of the passengers on the ill-fated flight. He was a co-writer of the hit song 'Jesus, Take the Wheel', and a trusted collaborator to some of the biggest names in country music.
James was a 2-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year and a 2020 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. His unforgettable music has left a lasting impact on the industry, and his passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from his peers and fans alike.
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) confirmed James's death and expressed their sadness at his loss. "We miss Brett dearly," they said in a statement. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame also mourned the untimely loss of James, posting a heartfelt message on their Facebook page.
Macon County Schools confirmed that all students and staff at the nearby Iotla Valley Elementary School were safe following the crash. However, it is important to note that the crash did not occur on the school's campus.
The identity of the other two passengers on the flight, apart from Brett James, has not been publicly disclosed in the available sources. The third passenger remains unnamed, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Brett James was a true advocate for his fellow songwriters, always championing their work and fighting for their rights. His loss will be deeply felt in the music industry, and he will be remembered as a talented and dedicated artist.
