Tributes continue to flow for German-American actor and realtor Christian Oliver and his two daughters, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Bequia island on Thursday (January 4).

The deaths are particularly devastating for Oliver’s wife, Jessica Klepser, who explained that the father-daughter trio had just concluded their family vacation and were in the process of leaving St Vincent and the Grenadines when tragedy struck.

She described Oliver as a devoted father and family man.

Klepser’s statement, shared via Instagram through California-based fitness studio, Wundabar Pilates, added that the deaths are a great loss for the extended family.

FULL STATEMENT:

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members. 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.

Madita, a vibrant 7th-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances.

Annik, a 4th-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her gentle yet strong demeanor. She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various forms of art.

The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities.

Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser in LA, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany.

Christian, an actor in Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with a broad network of close friends worldwide, is survived by Jessica, his parents and sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Please honor the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, there is a GoFundMe set up for the family for anyone wishing to donate, which can be found at the link in bio.”

The 51-year-old actor and his two young daughters were killed in a plane crash after their small single-engine plane nose-dived into the sea one nautical mile from Petit Nevis island.

According to authorities, the plane took off from JF Mitchell Airport in Bequia just after noon, heading to neighbouring St Lucia when it crashed.

“Shortly after take-off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and nose-dived into the ocean,” the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force said in a statement. “Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance.”

Oliver, born Christian Klepser, and his daughters, 10-year-old Madita and 12-year-old Annik, died alongside the pilot and the owner of the plane, Robert Sachs.

Vincentian authorities later admitted that the four bodies were recovered from the aircraft and waters by local Bequia fisherfolk and divers before the SVG Coast Guard arrived.

The German-born actor worked with Steven Soderbergh in 2006’s ‘The Good German‘ opposite Cate Blanchett and George Clooney.

He also appeared in 2008’s ‘Valkyrie‘ opposite Tom Cruise and 2008’s ‘Speed Racer‘.

Oliver most recently acted in the latest instalment of the ‘Indiana Jones‘ franchise, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny‘.

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