Brett James death 2025 Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, celebrated for iconic country hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a small-engine plane crash on September 18, 2025. The fatal accident occurred near Franklin, North Carolina, when the Cirrus SR22T aircraft registered in James’s name crashed into a field close to Iotla Valley Elementary School. Brett James was 57 years old.
Details of the Crash
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and flight tracking services, the plane departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. The accident occurred around 3 p.m. local time as the aircraft went down in a field in Macon County, about 270 miles southeast of Nashville. There were three people aboard the plane, none of whom survived. Local authorities confirmed that the incident did not affect the nearby school students or staff, all of whom were safe.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, while the FAA and local law enforcement continue to gather details.
Brett James: A Legacy of Country Music Success
Brett James Cornelius was an esteemed songwriter in the country music industry, renowned for crafting over 500 songs with numerous chart-topping hits. His work spanned collaborations with major stars such as Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Bon Jovi, and more.
He achieved widespread acclaim for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-winning song “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which earned him the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 2006. James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 and was recognized as one of the most prolific and influential songwriters of his generation.
Notable hits penned by James include Kenny Chesney’s “Out Last Night,” Martina McBride’s “Blessed,” and Jason Aldean’s “The Truth,” among many others. His songwriting talent and dedication made him a trusted collaborator and an advocate for fellow songwriters in the country music community.
Tributes from the Music Industry
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame expressed profound sadness over the loss of Brett James,
describing the event as an “untimely loss” of a legendary figure. The Nashville Songwriters
Association International (NSAI) also paid tribute,
calling him a “trusted collaborator” and “true advocate for songwriters.”
Country stars like Dierks Bentley and Sara Evans publicly mourned James.
Bentley called him a “total legend” and “fellow aviator,” while Evans shared her
devastation and prayers for his family on social media.
Remembering His Impact
Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was a family man who cited his wife and four children as his inspiration. He was deeply respected for his heartfelt lyrics that connected with millions of listeners around the world.
Despite his sudden and tragic passing, Brett James’s
legacy will endure through the timeless music he created. His work has left an indelible mark on country music and the songwriting community.
The tragic loss of Brett James in the small plane crash shakes the country music
industry and fans across the globe. As the investigation unfolds, the music world
mourns one of its brightest songwriting stars whose voice through music will continue to inspire future generations.
