Christian Oliver's former wife pays tribute to actor, daughters after fatal plane crash

The ex-spouse of noted Hollywood actor Christian Oliver has rendered a heartfelt homage to him and their two young daughters who tragically perished in a small plane crash near a private island in the eastern Caribbean. "Our hearts are heavy following the tragic plane crash on January 4, 2024, that claimed the lives of our cherished family members," was a statement shared on Friday on social media platform Instagram, on the page of Wundabar Pilates, where Jessica Klepser, the mother, holds a key managerial position in California. The statement detailed, "Returning from a Caribbean holiday, our daughters, Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, along with their father Christian, were in a single-engine plane that encountered engine failure and plunged into the ocean." The police from St. Vincent and the Grenadines revealed the fatal crash occurred west of Petit Nevis island near Bequia as their flight was en route to St. Lucia. The pilot, Robert Sachs, also lost his life.

Amy Jordan, the proprietor of Wundabar Pilates, shared the family's grief-filled note. Jordan expressed her emotional turmoil by stating that having Madita and Annik in her life was a blessing, and she will forever treasure memories of them at pool parties, sleepovers, school performances, and trips to Disneyland while now being there for her daughter, who was Annik's best friend, and Jessica.

The family's tribute underscored Madita's lively charm as a dedicated Louis Armstrong Middle School student and Annik's kindness and strength, a grade 4 student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School. Their laughter, camaraderie, and lively spirit will be sorely missed, the statement further added. Oliver, also known as Christian Klepser, and his daughters are mourned by Jessica Klepser in Los Angeles and grandparents, relatives in Germany. Furthermore, Oliver's loss will be heavily felt by his vast network of close friends worldwide, as noted in the statement, were he was remembered as an actor and real estate agent.

Comedian actress Sarah Silverman established a GoFundMe initiative with the aim to defray the cost associated with the transportation of Christian and the girls' remains, funeral and memorial rites, legal costs, and to lend extensive support to Jessica and all family members during this challenging period.

The exact circumstance leading to the plane crash remains unknown, as the investigation by law enforcement continues. Local fishermen and divers responded to the scene, which was greatly appreciated by the police.

The German-born Oliver, who had appeared in numerous film and television roles, was 51 at the time of the tragic accident. He was prominent in the 2008 "Speed Racer" film, the 2006's "The Good German" by Steven Soderbergh, and the television series, "Saved by the Bell: The New Class" in the 1990s.