Brett James, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has died in a plane crash. 

Fox News reports that the incident took place last week.

Two other individuals died as well.

#BREAKING : Plane crash in Macon County kills three, including songwriter Brett James.

Country music songwriter Brett James was one of three people killed in a small-engine plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (Sept. 18).

The 57-year-old is most closely associated with… pic.twitter.com/rDvH2Y8och

— upuknews (@upuknews1) September 19, 2025

The details

Fox News reports that the crash has been confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

It released a statement, saying, "A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, Sept. 18. Three people were on board."

Fox further reports:

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the incident. The plane took off from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport before crashing under still-undetermined circumstances in the woods of Franklin. Authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the cause of the crash.

What has been confirmed, though, is that the three deceased individuals are James, his wife, Melody Carole, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

There is speculation about who was flying the plane, but the answer to this question remains unconfirmed.

"Today we mourn..."

The music community is mourning the loss of James.

The Nashville Songwriters Association has put out a statement, writing the following:

Today we mourn the tragic loss of a Music Row giant. Brett James has been a consistent powerhouse songwriter, publisher, and producer for over 30 years. He achieved heights that few songwriters in our town have ever seen. He was a star himself in every way a star can be defined, racking up dozens of hits for the who's who of music. He represented the Nashville songwriting community all over the world, performing his hits as well as educating fans and lawmakers about the threats to intellectual property. He was a longtime board member and officer for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), serving in any role he was asked. NSAI and country music are better because of Brett. He will be missed more than I can even begin to say.

News Channel 5 highlights some of James' accomplishments.

Per the outlet:

James was renowned for penning some of country music's biggest hits, including Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" and Kenny Chesney's "When the Sun Goes Down." His songwriting prowess earned him recognition as one of Nashville's most talented writers.

"Jesus Take the Wheel" is reportedly James' best-known work.