The wife of Hollywood actor Christian Oliver has issued a statement after he and their two daughters died in a tragic Caribbean plane crash.
On January 4, 51-year-old Oliver - who has appeared in movies such as Speed Racer and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - tragically died alongside his two young daughters, 10-year-old Madita and 12-year-old Annik.
Per the Daily Mail, the actor and his daughters were killed after the single-engine plane they were in - piloted by Robert Sachs - crashed into the sea. The incident occurred off the coast of the tiny Caribbean island of Bequia, which is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Sachs, who also reportedly owned the aircraft, was also killed in the crash. The bodies of all four individuals were recovered by fishermen, divers, and Coast Guard personnel and later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force gave since stated that the small plane "plummeted into the ocean" after experiencing "difficulties".
"The RSVGPF expresses condolences to all who are negatively affected by this tragic incident," the police department said in a statement.
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.
As of this writing, more than $50,000 has been raised for Klepser.
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."
Oliver, a German-born actor, moved to the United States when he was 21 to pursue a career in acting and modeling. He worked 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.
Most recently, fans may recognize him from last year's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
