Brett James, renowned songwriter behind Carrie Underwood’s iconic hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” tragically died in a small plane crash in North Carolina on September 18, 2025. The 57-year-old Grammy-winning artist was aboard a Cirrus SR22T aircraft when it crashed around 3 p.m. local time near Franklin, a town in western North Carolina. The crash involved three people on board, all of whom perished in the accident as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred shortly after the plane took off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville, Tennessee under James’s legal name, Brett James Cornelius.

James was a prolific and influential figure in country music, best known for co-writing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Carrie Underwood’s 2005 breakout hit that won Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The song, written with Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson, became an anthem in modern country music, blending emotional storytelling with spiritual themes. Beyond this, James’s extensive songwriting catalog boasted over 500 recordings by artists like Kenny Chesney (“When the Sun Goes Down”), Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flatts. His contributions helped shape the careers of many country stars and earned him a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Born on June 5, 1968, in Columbia, Missouri, James initially pursued a medical career before abandoning medical school to follow his passion for music. His breakthrough came after a period of hardship, including being dropped from recording and publishing deals, when he committed to songwriting full time after signing with Teracel Music in Nashville. He described this shift as a creative turning point, focusing on writing songs that resonated deeply with listeners—a commitment that paid off with numerous chart-topping hits.

The tragic news has deeply affected the country music community. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame issued a heartfelt tribute: “We mourn the untimely loss of Hall of Fame member Brett James (‘Jesus Take The Wheel’ / ‘When The Sun Goes Down’).” ASCAP, where James was a two-time Songwriter of the Year, expressed its sorrow, calling him “a reliable collaborator with some of the biggest names in country music and a genuine supporter of songwriters.” Fellow artists, like Dierks Bentley, also paid homage on social media, calling him a “total legend” and “one of the best songwriters in our town”.

Experts note that James’s skill lay in blending traditional country themes with contemporary storytelling, making his songs timeless. His legacy continues to influence new generations of songwriters who admire his ability to write poignant lyrics and memorable melodies that speak to universal human experiences. Eyewitnesses to the crash have not yet released detailed accounts, and authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, promising updates once more facts are verified.

In summary, Brett James’s untimely death marks a profound loss for the music world. Readers and fans are encouraged to celebrate his contributions by revisiting his extensive catalog of songs that have touched millions. Music institutions and fan communities are expected to hold tributes in the coming weeks to honor his enduring legacy. The NTSB’s investigation into the cause of the crash remains a critical next step in understanding this tragedy and preventing similar future incidents.

This news draws attention both to James’s remarkable career and to the unpredictable risks associated with small aircraft travel, highlighting the need for continued aviation safety efforts. His extraordinary songwriting will remain a beacon in country music history, resonating far beyond his sudden passing.