The country music community is reeling after the tragic loss of Brett James, a revered songwriter and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, who died alongside his wife Melody Carole and stepdaughter Meryl Wilson in a small-engine plane crash in Franklin, North Carolina. The fatal incident occurred on September 18, 2025, and has since prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from fans and fellow musicians alike. New details from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shed light on the final moments of the flight, painting a picture of a sudden and heartbreaking accident that claimed the lives of three beloved individuals.
According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, Brett James was piloting a Cirrus SR22T aircraft as the family traveled from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee. The trio—James, 57, his wife Melody Carole, 59, and her daughter Meryl Wilson, 28—departed Nashville at approximately 12:41 p.m. on that fateful day. Their destination was Macon County Airport in Franklin, North Carolina, a journey that would end in tragedy less than three hours later.
Flight records confirm that as the plane neared its destination, it was cruising at an altitude of about 6,800 feet. At around 2:48 p.m., James made his final radio transmission, informing air traffic controllers that he intended to perform a 360-degree turn to land on the runway at Macon County Airport. This maneuver, typically executed to adjust approach or spacing, was the last communication received from the cockpit.
Surveillance video and witness accounts provided further insight into what happened next. The NTSB report, cited by multiple news outlets including USA Today, describes how the plane descended from 6,800 to 6,300 feet before making the crucial turn. As the aircraft approached the runway at 3,300 feet, it was seen flying over the runway before initiating a descending left turn. Tragically, the plane continued its descent in the left turn, entered a tightening spiral, and ultimately crashed into an open field roughly a quarter-mile from the airport and just west of Iotla Valley Elementary School.
Witnesses near the accident site reported seeing the plane flying at a low altitude, rocking side-to-side with its wingtips moving up and down before rolling inverted and disappearing behind the tree line. The NTSB report notes, "Multiple witnesses near the accident site reported observing the airplane flying at a low altitude near the airport and over a nearby school playground. The airplane was described as rocking side-to-side, with its wingtips moving up and down before rolling inverted and descending behind the tree line." There were no signs of engine failure, and the aircraft was recovered for further examination.
The loss of Brett James has left a profound mark on the Nashville music community and beyond. James, a Columbia, Missouri native, was a Grammy Award-winning songwriter whose work spanned decades and genres. He began his career as a solo artist in 1995, charting three singles that year, but it was his songwriting prowess that made him a household name in the industry. Over his career, 494 of his songs were recorded by other artists, a testament to his prolific talent and collaborative spirit.
James was perhaps best known for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s 2006 number one hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” a song that resonated deeply with audiences and garnered critical acclaim. He also penned hits for country music luminaries such as Martina McBride, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and Rodney Atkins, cementing his legacy as one of Nashville’s most influential songwriters. His accolades include being named a two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year, and his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020 was a crowning achievement in a storied career.
The news of James’ death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of tributes and memories from colleagues, friends, and fans. Carrie Underwood, who worked closely with James, expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, writing, "Some things are just unfathomable. The loss of Brett James to his family, friends and our music community is too great to put into words. Brett was the epitome of 'cool.'" She reminisced about his unique presence, saying, "I see him in my mind riding up to my cabins to write on his motorcycle…his hair somehow perfectly coiffed despite being under a helmet for however long. I always loved hearing him sing 'Cowboy Casanova' because a sassy girl anthem should've sounded ridiculous coming from a macho dude like him, but somehow, he even made that cool." She concluded, "Brett's passing is leaving a hole in all of us that I fear won’t ever go away. It will forever be a reminder that this life is but a moment...we have to make the most of each day we're given here on earth. Each day is a gift. ... Love you, man. I'll see you again someday."
Other members of the music community echoed Underwood’s sentiments. Alison Bonaguro wrote on X, "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) highlighted James’ contributions, 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) also mourned his passing, posting, "The NSAI family is stunned by the death of board member and legendary songwriter Brett James. The loss is profound."
Melody Carole, James’ wife, was a writer and mother of two, remembered fondly by those who knew her. Her daughter, Meryl Wilson, just 28 years old, was also lost in the crash, compounding the tragedy for their friends and family. The three were described as a close-knit family, embarking on what should have been a routine flight from Nashville to North Carolina.
The NTSB’s ongoing investigation will continue to examine the circumstances of the accident, though the absence of mechanical failure suggests that pilot error or spatial disorientation during the attempted maneuver may have been contributing factors. The Cirrus SR22T, known for its advanced safety features, was recovered and retained for further examination, as investigators work to provide a complete account of the crash.
For the Nashville music community, Brett James’ passing is more than the loss of a talented songwriter; it is the loss of a mentor, collaborator, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the songs he penned. His legacy will endure in the music he created, the artists he inspired, and the memories shared by those who knew him best.
As the investigation continues and the community grieves, the story of Brett James serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring power of music to bring people together—even in the face of unimaginable loss.
