Brett James dies in fatal Franklin plane crash
Fatal Franklin plane crash death of Brett James
Thursday afternoon, a private aircraft linked to the acclaimed country musician Brett James crashed in a rural field near Franklin, North Carolina, at approximately 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, resulting in the tragic loss of all individuals on board, including the pilot and a second passenger.
The prestigious Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame confirmed James’ passing on Thursday, recognizing his extensive career as a celebrated songwriter. Known professionally as Brett James, his actual legal name was Brett Cornelius, and he had a remarkable history of crafting chart-topping hits for various artists.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, as detailed by CNN, the fatal incident claimed the lives of all three people aboard the plane: Brett Cornelius, who was 57 years old, and an unidentified companion. The aircraft originated from John C. Turner Airport in Nashville and subsequently crashed after a flight path extending about 270 miles southeast of its departure point.
The wreckage came to rest in proximity to the Iotla Valley Elementary School area in Franklin. Currently, the National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the underlying reasons for this devastating event.
The involved airplane was a Cirrus SR22T model, officially registered to Brett Cornelius. Throughout his professional life, which spanned two decades, James contributed significantly to the country and pop music genres. Notably, he secured a Grammy Award for Best Country Song and received a nomination for his work on “Jesus Take the Wheel.”
James was honored with induction into the renowned Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during the 2020 class, alongside other distinguished figures like Steve Earle, Bobby Gentry, Kent Blazy, and Spooner Oldham.
In addition to this significant loss, several other notable figures passed away in 2025. Among them was Robert Redford, a legendary figure in Hollywood recognized for his achievements as an actor, filmmaker, and environmental advocate. He was remembered for his iconic role in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and founded the Sun Dance Film Festival, with his death occurring at the age of 89 on September 16.
