Country Singer Brett James Dies in Plane Crash with Family

Nashville, Tennessee — Renowned country singer-songwriter Brett James died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025. He was 57. James was piloting a private Cirrus SR22T aircraft, which was carrying his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28, when the tragic accident occurred.

According to a report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), James departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville and was en route to Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina. He had requested a visual approach to the runway before losing control of the aircraft shortly after reporting he was at 6,800 feet.

At approximately 2:48 p.m. local time, James indicated to air traffic control that he intended to perform a 360-degree turn to land. However, the NTSB noted there were no further communications from him after this report.

Witnesses near the crash site reported seeing the plane flying unusually low over a nearby school playground. The aircraft was described as “rocking side-to-side” before it began to roll inverted and descended behind a tree line.

The plane crashed in an open field just over half a mile away from the airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground. Investigators found no signs of engine failure in the wreckage, and the plane is currently undergoing further examination.

This tragic accident occurred just days after James celebrated his stepdaughter’s birthday on social media.

Brett James was best known for writing hit songs for artists such as Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Taylor Swift. His contributions to music earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.