Everyone is shocked to hear the news that Brett James Cornelius, a famous Grammy award-winning songwriter from Nashville, died in a plane crash on Thursday, September 18th, in a tragic plane crash in North Carolina. Brett James Cornelius was 57 years old when he died.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a Cirrus SR22T single-engine plane registered in James’ name crashed into a field in Franklin, North Carolina, at around 3 p.m. local time. Three people were on board, none of whom survived.
Upon investigation, it was learned that the deceased were Brett James Cornelius, Melody Carroll, and Merrill Maxwell Wilson. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed that all three died at the scene.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash, with the NTSB leading the investigation. Flight records indicate the plane took off from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport at approximately 12:41 p.m.
Plane Crash Near School
The accident occurred near Eotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin. Local authorities immediately reassured families that all students and staff were safe. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office shared an update on Facebook, confirming that the school was not directly impacted by the crash.
Facts About Brett James’ Legacy in Music
He was born in Columbia, Missouri, and was one of Nashville’s most respected and successful songwriters. He co-wrote numerous country and pop hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” for which he won a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, and Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”
James originally planned to study medicine, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Sam Cornelius. He attended Baylor University and later enrolled in medical school at the University of Oklahoma. However, after discovering his passion for music through a $90 pawn shop guitar, he changed direction and pursued a career in songwriting.
By the mid-1990s, James had released his first album, and a few years later, he had fully established himself as a top country songwriter. Over the years, he won numerous awards, and in 2006 and 2010, ASCAP named him Country Songwriter of the Year.
In 2020, James returned to performing and released an EP titled “I Am Now,” which included the song “True Believer”—a heartfelt song written for his daughter.
Following the news of his passing, many stars shared their grief and memories of James.
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