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Hollywood actor Christian Oliver and his two young daughters were killed in a plane crash in the Caribbean on Jan. 4 when the Bellanca 17-30A (N4023B) they were flying in crashed into the sea.Four occupants fatally injured after a private Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking aircraft (N4023B) crashes off S. Vincent and the Grenadines (Caribbean) immediately after takeoff from Port Elizabeth-Bequia Airport (BQU).Reports suggest aircraft stalled before impacting the sea. pic.twitter.com/oo2WVl5xVn— FL360aero (@fl360aero) January 4, 2024
The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force announced on Thursday that the small plane, piloted by Robert Sachs of Bequia, crashed into the sea one nautical mile west of Petit Nevis. On board were 51-year-old Oliver, real name Christian Klepser, and his two daughters, Madia Klesper and Annik Klesper, ages 10 and 12 respectively. The plane flew from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget farm shortly after noon, headed for St. Lucia. Shortly after takeoff, the plane experienced difficulties and a video shows the plane plummeting into the ocean. Local fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene in boats to begin searching for the plane's occupants. The Coast Guard was informed and joined in rescue efforts. The RSVG Police Force said the divers recovered the four bodies and the Coast Guard transported them to the Kingstown Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
An aviation expert told St. Vincent Times that the aircraft appeared to have stalled after takeoff. Other witnesses told the local outlet that the plane made a strange noise before the crash.
"It sounded like when a vehicle was struggling for power to go up a hill," a resident told St. Vincent Times.
The RSVG Police Force offered condolences to the families and said the investigation into the crash continues.
Klesper, born in Germany, was known for roles in the Cobra 11 television series, Valkyrie, Speed Racer and The Good German. His ex-wife, Jessica Klesper, shared a statement from the family through her place of work, Wundabar Pilates.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024 which took the lives of our beloved family members," the statement reads. "Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean when the single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean. Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive."
Klesper and his daughters are survived by the girl's mother Jessica, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in Germany. His last post on Instagram was a scenic, sunset view of the island, wishing his followers a Happy 2024. Now, the post is filled with condolences. The actor also worked as a real estate agent and had a "broad network of close friends worldwide," and his loss will be felt by those who knew him. A GoFundMe was set up to help cover costs to bring Klesper and his daughters home, funeral and memorial services, legal expenses and help to support Jessica Klesper and the extended family during this time. As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe has raised over $160,000 of the $100,000 goal.