The wife of actor Christian Oliver, who died in a plane crash in the Caribbean on Thursday along with the couple’s two young daughters, has spoken for the first time about the tragic news of their deaths.
On Friday, company owner Amy Jordan posted an emotional statement on the Wundabar Pilates website “from Jessica Klepser and family.” Klepser, who was married to Oliver, is the regional director of the California branch of the Pilates studio, pictured in the post.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members. Our daughters, Madita (12) and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a vacation in the Caribbean when the single-engine the plane they were traveling in had engine problems and fell into the ocean. Unfortunately, all four passengers in the small craft did not survive,” the statement began.
Oliver, who appeared in the movies Club of babysitters, Good German, Racing driver and Valkyrie, Madita and Annika died on Thursday in a plane crash near the island of Bequia. They were traveling in a single-engine plane from JF Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm to St. Lucia, according to the statement of the Royal St. police force. Vincent and the Grenadines released the same day the crash happened.
Oliver and his two daughters were killed in a plane crash on Thursday.
Frazer Harrison/Getty
Actor Christian Oliver (51) and his daughters (10 and 12) died in the plane crash
Klepser’s statement Friday on Instagram then described how Oliver and his daughters were loved by their community.
“Madita, a lively 7th grader at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in studies, dancing, singing and performing. Annik, a 4th grader at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, is recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor. 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 post continues.
“Madita and Annik’s deep connection, contagious laughter and adventurous spirit will be greatly missed by their communities. Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser of LA, outlives the girls. They also left behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins in Germany.”
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Oliver was traveling on a single jet in the Caribbean at the time of the accident.
Jerod Harris/Getty
Christian Oliver remembered as ‘great colleague, actor and friend’ after death in plane crash: ‘Great loss’
“Christian, an actor in Europe and the US and a real estate agent with a wide network of close friends around the world, left behind Jessica, his parents and his sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
The statement concluded by asking for privacy for the family “at this difficult time.”
A link to a GoFundMe page set up for the family by Klepser’s friend, Sarah Silverman, was also shared for donations in lieu of flowers.
“Your donations will help cover the cost of getting Christian and the girls home, funeral and memorial services, legal fees, and will go a long way to helping Jessica and the extended family through this terribly difficult time,” the page read.
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The actor and his daughters are survived by his wife Klepser.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
So far, nearly $50,000 has been raised, which is halfway to the goal of $100,000 in donations.
On Thursday, the announcement of the police force of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines shared details of the tragic incident and the actions of local emergency teams.
“Moments after takeoff, the aircraft experienced difficulties and crashed into the ocean,” authorities said at the time. “Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene in their boats to render assistance. The SVG Coastguard was notified and quickly traveled to Paget Farm, Bequia, to lead the rescue effort.”
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The bodies of the three passengers and the pilot, identified as the plane’s owner Robert Sachs, were recovered from the sea and the plane by the SVG Coast Guard and later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Representatives listed for Oliver did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Friday.
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