‘Speed Racer’ Actor Christian Oliver and 2 young daughters killed in Caribbean plane crash
Actor Christian Oliver, his two young daughters, and an American pilot died after their small plane crashed into the Caribbean Sea off the coast of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, authorities confirmed.
Oliver, 51, whose real name was Christian Klesper, was traveling with 12-year-old Madita and 10-year-old Annik, along with pilot Robert Sachs. Shortly after takeoff en route to St. Lucia, their plane experienced difficulties and plunged into the ocean about a mile from shore, officials said.
Local fishermen and divers rushed to the area after the crash and helped recover the victims’ bodies, which were then transferred to the coast guard. All four occupants were pronounced dead by a medical professional at the scene.
The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority is assisting in an ongoing investigation into the fatal crash. The U.S. State Department is providing consular services to the families of the American victims.
Oliver, a German-born actor best known for the 2008 film “Speed Racer,” had posted on social media January 1st that he and his family were “somewhere in paradise.” He had two upcoming films in different stages of production at the time of his death.
Directors and co-stars mourned the loss of the actor, with many offering condolences and emphasizing his talents both on-screen and off.
The tragic plane crash resulted in the devastating loss of actor Christian Oliver at 51 along with his two young daughters. He is remembered for his film work and cherished as a husband, father, and friend.