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Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in Plane Crash

10/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter, died in a plane crash in North Carolina on September 18, 2025, at 57.
He piloted a Cirrus SR22T and lost control while landing at Macon County Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board reported James made a final transmission at 2:48 p.m.
His wife Melody Carole and her daughter Meryl Wilson also perished.
He wrote hits for Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney.

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Story summary

Brett James, a Grammy-winning songwriter, died in a plane crash in North Carolina on September 18, 2025, at 57.
He piloted a Cirrus SR22T and lost control while landing at Macon County Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board reported James made a final transmission at 2:48 p.m.
His wife Melody Carole and her daughter Meryl Wilson also perished.
He wrote hits for Carrie Underwood and Kenny Chesney.