On Thursday PT, four people, including ‘Speed Racer’ fame actor Christian Klepser (Oliver) and his two daughters, were involved in a plane crash in the Caribbean, which led to their deaths. The small-single engine airplane was flying from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm to St. Lucia.
The news was confirmed after a statement given by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, saying that this unfortunate incident occurred off the island of Bequia.
“Moments after taking off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean,” said the local authorities. “Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance. The SVG Coast Guard was informed and quickly traveled to Paget Farm, Bequia, to lead in the rescue efforts.”
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The three passengers on the aircraft were identified to be Christian Oliver, 51, and his two daughters, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12. The pilot was Robert Sachs, who was also the owner of the plane. The bodies of these four were found by the SVG Coast Guard, and were announced dead.
The RSVGPF mentioned that the victims' bodies were taken to a mortuary, where post-mortem examinations will ascertain the cause of death. They further went on to say that they will be investigating in this matter further, adding "The RSVGPF expresses condolences to all who are negatively affected by this tragic incident."
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A report by the St. Vincent Times said that many residents heard a 'sputtering' sound made by the plane. “It sounded like when a vehicle is struggling — you know, stalling, struggling for power to go up a hill,” a local resident said.
Having been in the industry for more than a decade, the actor has contributed his share to the entertainment industry. He was known for his films, 'The Baby-Sitters Club,' 'The Good German', 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,' and 'Speed Racer.'
Now, many of his colleagues have also taken to social media to express the German actor's demise. Taking to Instagram, actress Bai Ling penned a lengthy tribute to the late actor, with who he was filming right before Christmas.
Cinematographer Michael Su, who has worked with the actor on 'English Estate' and wrapped up 'Forever Hold Your Peace' with Bai Ling, caption a photo of the late actor. "Rest easy dear friend, dear brother...I will miss our talks on set..the camaraderie during those long hauls, and the quiet moments when we watched magic happen. You and your daughters are together in eternity..."
The late actor was also a producer, which he proved with 'Wrong Turn' (2021). Now, his friend-producer also took to social media to express his loss.
"I am heartbroken to hear about the death of my friend, the talented #ChristianOliver and his two daughters," casting director Ivy Isenberg, who worked with Oliver on 'Ready Or Not' wrote on X. "My heart goes out to their mother Jessica. There are no words at a time like this."
