Songwriter Brett James dies in North Carolina plane crash
Share this @internewscast.com

(NewsNation) — Brett James, an acclaimed Grammy-winning country songwriter famous for tracks like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” tragically lost his life alongside two others in a plane crash on Thursday in Franklin, North Carolina.

According to Macon County officials, a single-engine aircraft went down near an elementary school around 3 p.m., with no survivors reported. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were three individuals on the plane. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame identified one of the victims as the 57-year-old James.

The aircraft was registered to Brett Cornelius of Brentwood, Tennessee. Billboard noted that the songwriter’s full name is Brett James Cornelius.

James’ biography on the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame site states that he hails from Columbia, Missouri, and had left medical school to follow his dreams in music, initially aiming to become a recording artist. He achieved fame through songwriting for top names in country music.

His extensive songwriting portfolio boasts over 300 major-label tracks, including “When the Sun Goes Down” performed by Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker, “Summer Nights” by Rascal Flatts, and the Grammy-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel” as sung by Carrie Underwood, which earned the 2006 Grammy for Best Country Song.

James, who also collaborated with Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi, was named ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year in 2006 and 2010.

The identities of the two others on the plane were not immediately released.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Inspiring Dreams Gala Shines Bright: Glamorous Night Fuels Support for Families in Need

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Savannah came alive with glamour on Thursday evening as…

Unraveling the Mystery: Florida’s Enigmatic Fireball Captivates Skywatchers

ORLANDO, Fla. – Residents of Central Florida had an unexpected start to…

Claiborne County Woman Charged with Fraud for Allegedly Claiming Missing Husband’s Social Security Benefits

NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — In a surprising turn of events, the…

Illinois Dominates Florida Gulf Coast as Boswell Shines with Career-High Performance

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The Illinois men’s basketball team is off to…

Understanding the ‘Tattoo Flu’: Causes and Effects Explained

(NEXSTAR) – If you’re planning to get some new ink, be prepared…

Unveiling the Epic Showdowns: Friday Night Blitz 2025 Week 13 Scores & Highlights

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — As Friday Night Blitz enters its thirteenth week,…

Join U of I’s Holiday Food Drive to Support Local Families in Need

The University of Illinois Extension’s SNAP-Ed program is stepping up to support…

Lake Land College Partners with Deb’s Catering for Temporary Effingham Kitchen Lease

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — In a bid to assist a local business…

Supreme Court Enacts Emergency Order Halting Full SNAP Food Aid Disbursements

In a significant development on Friday, the Supreme Court responded to an…

Overseas Base Workers Face Unpaid Stint Amid US Government Shutdown

MADRID – The record-breaking U.S. government shutdown is causing repercussions far beyond…

Springfield Investigation Uncovers Over 1,200 Grams of Drugs and Two Firearms, Leading to Arrest

A Springfield resident found himself behind bars on Wednesday after authorities uncovered…

Kingsport Mother Raises Alarm Over Hazardous Driving Near School Buses

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Concern for her children’s safety has prompted Gabrielle…