The tragic loss of actor Christian Oliver, internationally recognized for roles in films like "Speed Racer" and "Valkyrie," has been confirmed following a devastating plane crash in the Caribbean that also claimed the lives of his two young daughters and the aircraft's pilot. A small plane bound for St. Lucia with Oliver, 51, and his daughters, from Los Angeles, nosedived into the sea shortly after liftoff from Bequia island on Thursday, according to authorities.
Now identified by his real name, Christian Klepser, and his daughters Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, were killed in the crash along with the pilot, Robert Sachs, reports KABC. Sachs, who was piloting his own aircraft when it plunged into the ocean, was also confirmed as an American citizen by the U.S. State Department.
In a tinge of poignance amid the accident details, Oliver's last Instagram post, shared shortly before the new year, captured a beachside gathering with the caption "Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love... 2024 here we come!" According to his surviving spouse's statement, released through Wundabar Pilates where she is employed, the family is coping with "the tragic plane accident" and the loss of "our beloved family members." Jessica Klepser has also honored her two daughters, celebrating Madita's academic and artistic talents and Annik's compassionate nature, as reported by FOX News.
The accident has sparked an investigation by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police and the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, as reported by CBS News. Divers and local fishermen were cited as first responders to the crash site, aiding in the recovery of the victims' bodies, with upcoming autopsies aimed to determine the exact causes of death. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up, which, as per the police, has garnered over $80,000 in donations to aid the family with repatriation and funeral expenses.
Christian Oliver's artistic contributions stretch beyond his notable on-screen presence. As the CEO of a small Hollywood production company, he was revered for his professionalism and creativity. Nick Lyon, director of the just-wrapped film "Forever Hold Your Peace," which featured Oliver, described him as a "great colleague, actor and friend" in an Instagram tribute. Meanwhile, his fans and the film industry mourn the loss of a versatile talent whose upcoming projects promised continued intrigue and entertainment.
