Franklin, North Carolina – The music world is mourning the sudden loss of Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter whose words and melodies shaped modern country music. James, 57, was killed in a small-plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, on September 18, 2025, along with his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28.
The Cirrus SR22T aircraft, registered to James, departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, and went down around 3 p.m. near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin. Officials confirmed that federal investigators from the FAA and NTSB are now examining the cause of the crash. It remains unclear who was at the controls when the aircraft plummeted.
James was one of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters, penning more than 500 songs recorded by top artists. His compositions have sold more than 110 million albums worldwide. Among his most enduring works is Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned him a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Country Song. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of the greats.
Friends and fans describe James as a rare talent who blended heartfelt lyrics with universal themes. His sudden death leaves an unfillable void in country music.
As investigators search for answers, the industry is left reeling from the tragic end of a man whose songs inspired hope, faith, and resilience.
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