A fatal airplane accident in the Caribbean Sea on Thursday, January 4, 2024, resulted in the death of four individuals, including a renowned actor, his two young daughters, and the pilot.
The crash happened shortly after midday, near Bequia, an island located in the Grenadines chain, a part of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines nation.
The victims of the accident were identified as American citizen Christian Klepser, 51, better known as Hollywood actor Christian Oliver, and his daughters, Madita Klepser, 12, and Annik Klepser, 10. The plane’s owner and pilot, Robert Sachs, also lost his life in the accident.
Klepser, known professionally as Christian Oliver, had a successful career in the film industry, known for his roles in “Speed Racer” and “Valkyrie,” and TV appearances including “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.”
Born Christian Klepser in Frankfurt, Germany, Oliver had established his career in both the American and German film industries. His recent work included a role in the 2020 film “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and voice acting roles in popular video games such as “Call of Duty” and “Medal of Honor.”
The aircraft, a single-engine plane, began its journey from J.F. Mitchell Airport, heading towards St. Lucia. Soon after takeoff, the plane encountered difficulties and crashed into the ocean approximately one nautical mile west of Petit Nevis, a privately owned island close to Bequia.
Local fishers and divers from the nearby Paget Farm community were among the first to arrive at the crash site to provide help. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard led the search and rescue efforts. Regrettably, all four passengers were found dead in the wreckage.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the specifics of the mechanical failure.