Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies with Family in North Carolina Plane Crash

Grammy-winning country songwriter Brett James tragically died in a small plane crash on September 18 near Franklin, North Carolina, along with his wife Melody Carole Wilson and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The Cirrus SR22T plane, registered to James, crashed after departing from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, with no survivors reported by the FAA. James, known for hits like Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" and Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down," had recently shared heartfelt family moments on Instagram, including Father's Day celebrations and a beach vacation with his wife. The tragedy occurred just days after Meryl's 28th birthday, which her mother Melody commemorated with a touching Instagram tribute. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, with a preliminary report expected soon. James' passing marks a significant loss to the country music community, mourned by peers and fans alike.