Brett James Plane Crash: Grammy-Winning Country Songwriter, Wife, and Stepdaughter Die in Tragic North Carolina Accident
The music world is in mourning after the Brett James plane crash claimed the lives of the Grammy-winning songwriter, his wife, and stepdaughter. The accident occurred on September 18, 2025, near Franklin, North Carolina, leaving no survivors. Brett James, known for writing chart-topping hits for some of country music’s biggest stars, was 56 years old.
What Happened in the Brett James Plane Crash
The fatal crash involved a Cirrus SR22T aircraft registered under Brett James’ legal name, Brett James Cornelius. The small plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, before going down in a wooded field close to Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina.
Key details of the accident include:
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Date: September 18, 2025
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Location: Near Franklin, North Carolina
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Aircraft: Cirrus SR22T
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Fatalities: 3 (no survivors)
The tragedy shocked the country music community, where Brett James had long been celebrated as one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters.
Victims Identified in the Crash
Authorities confirmed that all three people onboard the aircraft died. The victims were:
| Name | Age | Relation to Brett James |
|---|---|---|
| Brett James Cornelius | 56 | Country songwriter |
| Melody Carole Wilson | 59 | Wife |
| Meryl Maxwell Wilson | 28 | Stepdaughter |
Meryl Maxwell Wilson had recently celebrated her birthday just days before the tragic event.
Brett James’ Legacy in Country Music
Brett James built a legacy that extended far beyond Nashville. He was responsible for some of the most beloved songs in modern country music, with a career spanning over two decades.
Highlights of his career include:
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Grammy Award: Won Best Country Song for co-writing “Jesus, Take the Wheel” performed by Carrie Underwood.
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Songwriting Achievements: More than 500 of his songs were recorded by top artists.
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Album Sales: Records featuring his work sold over 110 million copies worldwide.
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Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
His influence touched artists such as Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Dierks Bentley, solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Investigation Into the North Carolina Plane Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the Brett James plane crash.
While the cause remains unknown, investigators are examining several possible factors, including:
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Whether Brett James himself was piloting the Cirrus SR22T.
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Weather conditions at the time of departure and impact.
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Mechanical issues or system malfunctions.
A full report from the NTSB is expected in the coming months.
Music Community Reacts to Brett James’ Death
News of Brett James’ death sparked widespread grief across the country music world. Fellow artists and fans alike paid tribute to the songwriter’s impact on their lives and careers.
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Carrie Underwood called his loss “unfathomable,” praising his creativity and friendship.
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Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, and Dierks Bentley expressed their condolences, remembering his generosity and songwriting brilliance.
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Fans also flooded social media with tributes, recalling how his lyrics had shaped some of the most memorable songs of the past two decades.
Remembering Brett James
The Brett James plane crash has left an enormous void in the country music industry. Not only did the world lose a Grammy-winning songwriter, but also a husband and stepfather who shared deep bonds with his family.
Brett James’ words and melodies will live on through the countless songs he crafted, ensuring that his voice continues to echo in the hearts of music lovers around the world.
