Sat Sep 20 20:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James, Wife, and Stepdaughter Killed in North Carolina Plane Crash**

**FRANKLIN, NC** – Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind Carrie Underwood’s hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a plane crash Thursday in Franklin, North Carolina. He was 57 years old.

The single-engine Cirrus SR22T, registered to James under his legal name, Brett James Cornelius, crashed in a field around 3 p.m. local time. Also killed in the crash were his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, 28. Authorities believe James was piloting the aircraft.

The plane had departed from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport earlier in the day. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

James, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020, enjoyed a prolific career, penning over 500 songs recorded by a wide range of artists including Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Meghan Trainor. Beyond “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” he co-wrote hits such as Martina McBride’s “Blessed” and Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night.”

Just days before the crash, Melody Wilson posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to her daughter, Meryl, on Instagram. Weeks prior, James had shared photos of the family spending time together on social media.

Carrie Underwood expressed her grief on Instagram, stating, “The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words… Brett’s passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment…we have to make the most of each day we’re given here on earth. Each day is a gift … Love you, man. I’ll see you again someday.”

The country music community mourns the loss of a celebrated songwriter and his family. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.

Read More