A small plane crash in the Caribbean Sea claimed the lives of four people, including an actor and his two daughters, on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
The incident occurred off the coast of Bequia, an island in the Grenadines chain in the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, shortly after midday.
The deceased were identified as Christian Klepser, a 51-year-old U.S. citizen and American Hollywood actor also known as Christian Oliver, and his daughters, 10-year-old Madita Klepser and 12-year-old Annik Klepser. The pilot, Robert Sachs, who was also the owner of the plane, died in the crash.
Oliver, 51, known in the film industry for his roles in movies such as “Speed Racer” and “Valkyrie,” was also recognized for his TV appearances, including in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class.”
Born Christian Klepser in Frankfurt, Germany, Oliver had carved a niche in both 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 in popular video games like “Call of Duty” and “Medal of Honor.”
The aircraft, a single-engine plane, had taken off from J.F. Mitchell Airport and was headed for St. Lucia. Shortly after takeoff, it experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean about one nautical mile west of Petit Nevis, a privately owned island near Bequia.
Local fishermen and divers from the nearby Paget Farm community arrived at the crash site to provide assistance. The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard led the search and rescue operations. Unfortunately, all four passengers were recovered from the wreckage and pronounced dead.
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is investigating the crash. As of now, the cause remains undetermined. Autopsies are planned to find out the precise cause of death for each of the victims.
