Grammy-winning country songwriter Brett James, famous for co-writing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” died in a plane crash on September 18, 2025. He was 57. The small aircraft crashed in Franklin, North Carolina. Authorities confirmed that no one survived. His wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, were also on board. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board launched investigations into what caused the crash.
His Career and Legacy
Brett James began his career in Nashville after leaving medical school to follow his musical passion. He penned more than 500 songs that artists recorded, and his work contributed to more than 110 million album sales during his career. He co-wrote dozens of hits for superstars like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, and others. Beyond “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” James wrote “When the Sun Goes Down,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Out Last Night,” and many more chart-toppers. In 2020, he earned induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
The crash involved a Cirrus SR22T plane, registered under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius. The aircraft departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, then crashed in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3:00 pm local time. The site lay in Macon County. The FAA reported three people on board; all died. Authorities emphasize that the crash occurred under “unknown circumstances.”
Tributes from the Music Community
After news of his death spread, fellow artists, songwriters, and collaborators expressed deep sorrow. Carrie Underwood honored his energy and faith, especially remembering their work together on “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, and many others shared personal stories, acknowledging Brett James not just as a hitmaker, but as a friend, mentor, and creative force. His songwriting style, his generosity, and his devotion to the craft came up repeatedly in their tributes.
Conclusion
Brett James death leaves a huge gap in country music. His songs resonated beyond charts; they spoke to faith, heartache, hope, and everyday life. Young writers will look to his work as an example of storytelling and authenticity. Furthermore, the fact that he wrote so many hits for so many voices showed his versatility. Although he is gone, his music continues to touch lives. The investigation into the crash may answer how this tragedy happened, but his legacy already stands solid.
Bonus Read: Teen Girl’s Body Found in Vehicle Registered to Singer d4vd
