Franklin, North Carolina, September 20, 2025
News Summary
A small plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina, resulted in the deaths of all three individuals on board, including renowned songwriter Brett James. The incident occurred in the afternoon near Iotla Valley Elementary School, prompting investigations by federal agencies to determine the cause. The aviation community mourns the loss of James, known for his Grammy-winning contributions to country music.
Franklin, North Carolina, experienced a tragic incident on Thursday afternoon when a small plane crashed, resulting in the deaths of all three individuals on board. The crash occurred around 3 p.m. local time, involving a Cirrus SR22T aircraft registered to 57-year-old Brett Cornelius, better known as Brett James, a renowned Nashville songwriter.
Brett Cornelius was a celebrated songwriter, having co-written several hit songs, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down”. The aircraft departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee, at 12:41 p.m. CDT on Thursday. Along with Cornelius, his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were confirmed to have died at the crash site.
James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and was well known in the country music community for his extensive contributions to the genre. His song “Jesus, Take the Wheel” won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Over his career, he collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean.
The crash site was located near Iotla Valley Elementary School, where authorities confirmed that all students and staff remained safe and unharmed. Multiple agencies, including the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash.
Born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, Brett James initially began pursuing a medical degree before transitioning to music. He debuted in the industry with his first album in 1995, eventually becoming a successful songwriter recognized with awards such as ASCAP’s country songwriter of the year in both 2006 and 2010.
In the wake of his passing, many within the country music community expressed their condolences on social media, reflecting on his significant impact and humble nature. James is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their four children.
The ongoing investigation by the NTSB aims to uncover more details regarding the circumstances leading to the crash, with the FAA providing initial data regarding the tragic event.
Key Facts
- Crash Location: Franklin, North Carolina
- Date: Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. local time
- Victims: Brett Cornelius (Brett James), Melody Carole, and Meryl Maxwell Wilson
- Aircraft: Cirrus SR22T
- Flight Departure: John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee, at 12:41 p.m. CDT
- Investigation: Conducted by the NTSB and FAA
- Brett James’ Contributions: Co-wrote “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020
Background
Brett James carved a prominent niche in the country music scene, co-writing hundreds of successful songs and collaborating with many well-known artists. His ability to marry profound lyrics with catchy melodies earned him respect and admiration in the music community. His unexpected death leaves a significant void in the industry, and tributes from fellow musicians continue to pour in as they honor his legacy.
FAQ
What happened in Franklin, North Carolina on Thursday afternoon?
A small plane crashed in Franklin, North Carolina, on Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. local time. Three people were on board the aircraft; none survived the crash.
Who were the victims of the plane crash?
The victims were Brett Cornelius (also known as Brett James), his wife Melody Carole, and her daughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson.
What is Brett James known for?
Brett James was a Grammy Award-winning songwriter, known for hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down.” He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.
What is the status of the investigation into the crash?
The crash incident is under investigation by the NTSB, with the FAA providing preliminary information.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Crash Location | Franklin, North Carolina |
| Date and Time | Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. local time |
| Aircraft | Cirrus SR22T |
| Victims | Brett Cornelius, Melody Carole, Meryl Maxwell Wilson |
| Departure Airport | John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Investigation | NTSB and FAA |
| Brett James’ Notable Work | Co-writer of “Jesus, Take the Wheel” |
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 5
- Wikipedia: Brett James
- The New York Times
- Google Search: Brett James plane crash
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brett James
- WKRN
- Google News: Brett James plane crash
- The Tennessean
- Country Now
Author: HERE Nashville
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