
Who Were Brett James’ Wife and Stepdaughter Killed in Plane Crash?
Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, 57, whose pen crafted country-music anthems that became mainstream hits, tragically died in a small-plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, on Sept. 18, 2025. The aircraft, a Cirrus SR22T departing from Nashville, went down in a field just west of Iotla Valley Elementary School. James was aboard with his wife and stepdaughter. Here’s what to know about James’ wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson.
Who was Brett James’ wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson?
Brett James, his wife, and his stepdaughter were tragically killed in a small-plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina, on Sept. 18, 2025. The Cirrus SR22T, which had departed from Nashville, went down shortly after entering North Carolina airspace, crashing into a rural field near Iotla Valley Elementary School. Authorities confirmed that all three passengers died at the scene, marking a devastating loss for the country music community and James’ loved ones. James is survived by his four children and his ex-wife, Sandra Cornelius.
So, who is James’ wife? Melody Carole Wilson, 59, was a quiet yet vital presence in his life and career. The couple made their home in Nashville and often shared glimpses of a joyful partnership on social media, with Melody frequently posting warm tributes to her daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson. According to BollywoodShaadis, she and James tied the knot on Aug. 21, 2021, and lived in Tennessee since.
Along with Meryl Maxwell Wilson, she had a son, Lucas. In early 2022, she posted to Instagram about how her son married his now-wife, Sierra. She also posted her own wedding photos from 2021 around the same time.
In 2020, James talked highly of his relationship with Melody. “She’s also a deep soul and a real musical human,” he told Taste of Country. “She doesn’t make music, but she’s got amazing taste in music.”
As for Melody’s daughter, Meryl Maxwell Wilson, she was 28. Her life was marked by resilience and optimism. Just a day before the tragic plane crash, Melody shared a heartfelt birthday tribute celebrating Meryl’s milestone of 142 days sober and calling her “the most beautiful amazing human inside and out,” according to Country Thang Daily.
New details emerged about the deadly plane crash
Investigators continue to learn about the plane crash that killed Brett James, his wife, Melody Carole Wilson, and his stepdaughter Meryl Maxwell Wilson. James was piloting a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that had departed from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport en route to Macon County Airport. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), James had requested a visual approach to runway 7 and intended to perform a 360-degree turn to land, according to People. Witnesses reported observing the plane flying at low altitude, rocking side-to-side, and eventually rolling inverted before entering a “tightening spiral” and crashing in a field near Iotla Valley Elementary School.
The crash occurred days after James and Melody celebrated Meryl’s 28th birthday.
“Happy Birthday my Love!!” Melody captioned an Instagram post of Meryl. “How Blessed am I to be your Momma! You’re the MOST BEAUTIFUL AMAZING HUMAN inside and out! I’m humbled and grateful everyday for your shining presence in my life! God has already used you for His Kingdom in so many ways and so much more to come! No words can express what a gift you are to me and everyone that KNOWS YOU.”
Country artists shared their thoughts after Brett James’ death
Following the tragic death of Brett James, tributes from the country music community poured in. Carrie Underwood, who co-wrote the Grammy-winning hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel” with James, expressed her grief on Instagram, describing his loss as “unfathomable.” She fondly recalled their collaborations, particularly those centered around faith, and emphasized the deep void his passing left in the music community, according to The U.S. Sun.
Kenny Chesney, who collaborated with James on several hits including “When the Sun Goes Down,” “Out Last Night,” and “Reality,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. He described James as a “creative soulmate” and expressed the deep void his passing has left in his life and creativity. Chesney reminisced about their songwriting sessions, highlighting the joy and authenticity they shared during their collaborations.
Dierks Bentley referred to him as a “total legend” and recalled their collaboration on “I Hold On,” noting how James’s contribution brought the song to life. Sara Evans remembered James as one of the best writers she had worked with. Jason Aldean, who worked with James on “The Truth,” shared his heartbreak, acknowledging the significant role James played in his career and the country music community. RaeLynn and Kelsey Hart also paid tribute, reflecting on James’s kindness and talent.