Tragic death of Brett James, co-author of “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, in a plane accident in North Carolina
On September 18, 2025, the international community of Christian music and Country lost one of its greatest craftsmen: Brett James, recognized for having co-written the tube “Jesus, Take the Wheel” made famous by Carrie Underwood.
The 57-year-old was killed with his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his daughter-in-law, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, in the crash of their personal plane, a Cirrus SR22T, near Franklin in North Carolina. The aircraft, which had just taken off from Nashville (Tennessee), was damaged near the Macon county airport. The emergency services could only note the immediate death of the three passengers.
This drama caused a deep shock wave, arousing countless tributes within the Gospel and Country community, but also among fans and many artists, starting with Carrie Underwood. The circumstances of the accident are always the subject of an official investigation carried out by the FAA and the NTSB, the first reports having not yet identified the exact cause of the crash.
Brett James, born in Oklahoma City in 1968, marked the history of American music with an exceptional career: more than 500 written songs, several Grammy Awards and a place at the Hall of Fame of the authors of Nashville.
After having abandoned medical studies to devote himself fully to composition, he has established himself as an essential reference, surrounded by artists such as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney or Jason Aldean. His most emblematic work, “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, won the Grammy for the best country song in 2006 and affected a world audience.
The disappearance of Brett James deprives the music industry of a visionary creator, whose texts imbued with faith and hope will continue to inspire many generations. His death recalls the importance of his contribution to spirituality and emotion in contemporary song, embodying the heart of the Gospel and American country tradition.
