Following the tragic death of actor Christian Oliver and his two young daughters, over $50,000 has been raised for his surviving widow.
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 passed away 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.
NBC News reports that the ill-fated flight was en route to the neighboring island nation of St. Lucia.
The devastating incident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Becquia, and local fishermen and divers rushed to the scene to assist before the Coast Guard could recover four bodies, all of whom were pronounced dead.
Following the tragedy, a GoFundMe was set up to financially support Oliver's widow, Jessica Klepser, who was in Los Angeles at the time of the crash.
The page description reads: "On Thursday January 4th, 2024 a tragic plane crash took the lives of Christian Oliver (nee Klepser) and his two young daughters Madita and Annik. Jessica Klepser, devoted and loving mother of the girls, was in LA at the time of the accident. This fundraiser is to help Jessica as she navigates this catastrophic loss."
The description then pays tribute to the couple's daughters, adding: "Madita, a self-assured and vibrant 7th grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit, sparkling smile, and excelled in academics, singing and dancing.
"Annik, a 4th grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary, had a quiet yet strong demeanor. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. She loved all her friends, dancing and making bracelets.
"Both girls were integral members of their school communities. Their laughter and adventurous spirits will be profoundly missed by all the families and friends who were touched by their lives."
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 $50,000 has been raised for Klepser.
Many of those who have already donated also shared messages of support for Klepser, with one person writing: "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."
A second added: "There are no words. You will all be missed so much."
Oliver - originally from Frankfurt, Germany - moved to the United States at the age of 21 to further pursue a career in acting and modeling. He quickly found success, landing roles in commercials and television shows like Saved by the Bell.
Most recently, Oliver graced the screen in the latest installment of the iconic Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Oliver had recently completed filming for Forever Hold Your Peace and had been enjoying time in the Caribbean with his daughters.
Our thoughts at this time are with everybody affected by this tragedy.
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