A prominent Christian songwriter, known for co-writing the Grammy-winning hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” was among three people killed in a small aircraft crash in North Carolina. His wife and stepdaughter also died in the crash.
Brett James, who co-wrote Carrie Underwood’s song, was identified as one of the victims of the crash, which occurred around 3 p.m. last Thursday in Franklin. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T registered under James’ legal name, Brett James Cornelius, went down in a field adjacent to Macon County Airport.
James, 57, had been piloting the plane, which took off from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport.
His wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were also on board and died.
The crash site was located near Iotla Valley Elementary School. Students and staff at the school were unharmed.