07 January 2024 , 02:07
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Jessica Klepser, the wife of actor Christian Oliver, has spoken out after her husband and their two daughters were tragically killed in a plane crash.
The Indiana Jones star died alongside their children, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12, as well as pilot Robert Sach when their plane crashed into the sea near Bequia, part of St Vincent. The horrifying incident was captured on camera, with an eyewitness heard shouting: "The plane crashed - call the Coast Guard."
The plane had taken off from F Mitchell Airport and was en route to nearby St Lucia when the tragedy occurred, leaving Jessica heartbroken. Despite being separated from Christian, who reportedly filed for divorce last December, the pair continued to co-parent their young daughters.
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Christian and his daughters, Madita and Annik, died in a tragic plane crash (AFP via Getty Images)Jessica initially remained silent following the news, but has now released a statement through her company's account.
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"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," she wrote on the Wundabar Pilates Instagram page. "Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean when the single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean. Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive."
She described her daughter Madita as "a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School" who was "known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances". She said her daughter Annik was "a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School" and was "recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanour. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various forms of art".
"The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities. Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser in LA, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany."
They are survived by his wife and their mother, Jessica (Future Publishing via Getty Images)"Christian, an actor in Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with a broad network of close friends worldwide, is survived by Jessica, his parents and sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Please honor the family's request for privacy at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, there is a GoFundMe set up for the family for anyone wishing to donate, which can be found at the link in bio."
"Moments after taking off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean," the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said in a statement. "Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance," it added. All four bodies have been recovered.
Pilot Robert Sachs owned the plane, but it is unclear what caused the devastating crash, according to police. The cause remains under investigation. Local reports said pilot Sachs radioed the tower shortly after takeoff to tell them he was experiencing trouble and was turning back. However, that was the last communication.
A GoFundMe page in memory of Christian and his young children has already raised more than $100,000 (about £750,000). It includes a picture of the family together, as well as the same tribute from Instagram.
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