Fri Oct 24 12:00:00 UTC 2025: Country Music World Mourns Death of Brett James in Plane Crash; NTSB Releases Report
Franklin, NC – The country music community continues to grieve the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, 57, who died last month in a plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina. His wife, Melody Carole, 59, and her daughter, Meryl Wilson, 28, were also killed in the tragic accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released its preliminary report this week, detailing the events leading up to the crash. According to the report, James, who was piloting the aircraft, contacted Macon County Airport at approximately 2:48 p.m. reporting his intention to perform a 360-degree turn for landing on the runway. That was the last communication received from the plane.
The NTSB report states that the aircraft descended from 6,800 feet to 6,300 feet before making a turn to approach the runway at 3,300 feet. “Surveillance video showed the airplane flying over the runway before initiating a descending left turn,” the report continued. “The airplane continued descending in the left turn before entering a tightening spiral and impacting the ground.” Investigators found no evidence of engine failure.
James was a highly respected figure in Nashville, inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He launched his career as a solo artist in 1995 before achieving widespread success as a songwriter. He penned 494 songs recorded by other artists, including Carrie Underwood’s chart-topping hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” His work also includes hits for Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and Rodney Atkins.
The news of James’s passing triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. Alison Bonaguro wrote, “Brett James died today. I am still in a state of shock. Nashville lost one of its very best — and most humble — songwriters in history.”
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) mourned the loss of their two-time Country Songwriter of the Year, stating, “Brett was a trusted collaborator to country’s greatest names and a true advocate for songwriters. We miss him dearly.”
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) echoed the sentiment, posting on Facebook, “The NSAI family is stunned by the death of board member and legendary songwriter Brett James. The loss is profound.”
The NTSB’s investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
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