More than $150,000 has been raised for the wife of late Speed Racer actor Christian Oliver after he and their two children were killed in a tragic plane crash.
On January 4, Oliver (born Christian Klepser) died at the age of 51 when the single-engine plane he was traveling in crashed into the sea.
As well as the Indiana Jones star, Oliver's two daughters - 10-year-old Madita and 12-year-old Annik - and pilot Robert Sachs were also onboard. All four individuals lost their lives.
The incident occurred off the coast of the tiny Caribbean island of Bequia, which is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force gave since stated that the small plane "plummeted into the ocean" after experiencing "difficulties".
The bodies of all four individuals were recovered by fishermen, divers, and Coast Guard personnel and later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
Following news of the tragedy, a GoFundMe was launched to offer financial support to Oliver's wife, Jessica Klepser, who was in Los Angeles at the time of the crash.
Explaining how the funds raised will be utilized, the description adds: "Your donations will help cover the cost of returning Christian and the girls home, funeral and memorial services, legal expenses, and will go a long way in support of Jessica and the extended family during this terribly difficult time."
At the time of this writing, more than $150,000 has been raised for Jessica thanks to an overwhelming number of donations.
The page has also been flooded with messages of support for the mom - as well as touching tributes to all three family members - with one person writing: "I am thinking of you every minute since I heard about this unimaginable tragedy. My heart has broken into pieces - for you and your beautiful family."
A second adds: "Our hearts are so heavy in our home, we will miss Christian, Madita and Annik terribly. Words are insufficient. Each of them touched our lives for years. Jessica, thinking of you every moment."
Now, Jessica Klepser - Oliver's widow and the mother to Madita and Annik - has issued a statement on social media along with other members of her family.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," the statement begins. "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.
"Madita, a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances.
"Annik, a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was 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 deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities."
The statement adds: "Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser in LA, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany.
"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," the statement concludes, before asking that donations be made to a GoFundMe in lieu of flowers.
Oliver, a German-born actor, moved to the United States when he was 21 to pursue a career in acting and modeling. After shooting to fame thanks to his role in shows like Saved By The Bell in the 90s, he would go on to work with Steven Soderbergh in 2006’s The Good German alongside Cate Blanchett and George Clooney. He would also appear in 2008's Valkyrie and Speed Racer.
More recently, fans may recognize him from last year's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Our thoughts continue to go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
