Actor Christian Oliver & Two Daughters Die In Plane Crash

SASCHA SCHUERMANN /DDP/ AFP via Getty Images

Know for projects such as Saved by the Bell and Speed Racer, Christian Oliver tragically passed away Thursday (Jan. 4) in a plane crash with his young daughters. He was 51.

The Hollywood actor, accompanied by his daughters Madita, aged 10, and Annik, aged 12, were the only occupants on the small single-engine jet during their journey to St. Lucia. The flight originated from J.F. Mitchell Airport on the Grenadine island of Bequia on Thursday, police say.

In the course of the afternoon flight, the plane encountered an unforeseen problem, leading to its descent into the sea near a Caribbean island shortly after departure.

As reported by the St. Vincent Times, several residents said they heard a sputtering sound made by the plane upon takeoff. “It sounded like when a vehicle is struggling — you know, stalling, struggling for power to go up a hill,” local resident Danroy Joseph told the outlet.

The German actor, born Christian Klesper, died in the reported crash, according to officials with the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in a statement posted on Facebook, as one of four victims, including his two daughters and pilot, Robert Sachs.

“Moments after taking off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean. 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.”

Authorities indicated that the cause of the crash was not immediately apparent, as per the police report.

“The selfless and brave acts of the fishermen and divers is very much appreciated,” police said.

Recently, on Jan. 1, Oliver posted to Instagram with a beach photo: “Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love…2024 her we come!”

 

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A post shared by Christian Oliver (@christianoliverofficial)

Christian Oliver’s Professional Journey

Oliver enjoyed a lengthy acting career, securing roles in numerous significant films and sharing the screen with Hollywood luminaries such as George Clooney, Tobey Maguire, and Cate Blanchett.

Some notable entries in his filmography include the 2008 action film Speed Racer, the 1995 production The Baby-Sitters Club, and The Good German, a 2006 World War II film directed by Stephen Soderbergh.

He was also featured in multiple episodes of Season 2 in the 1990s show Saved by the Bell: The New Class, portraying the character Brian Keller, a Swiss transfer student.

We were deeply saddened to learn the news, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.