The crash occurred around 3 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025, in a field adjacent to the Iotla Valley Elementary School, according to the Macon County Sheriff's Office. Officials confirmed that all students and staff were safe and that the crash did not result in any injuries on the school property.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that a single-engine Cirrus SR22T, registered to James, went down after departing from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are now investigating the cause of the crash.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame confirmed the death of James, a 2020 inductee known for writing hits such as Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel." James was 57. The names of the other two victims have not been publicly released as of this report.
WNCTimes
Image: Brett James Social Media Official Page