Jessica Klepser, wife of late actor Christian Oliver, has spoken out following the tragic deaths of her husband and their two young daughters this week.
The 51-year-old actor of “Hunters” and “Speed Racer” died Thursday when the small plane they were on crashed into the ocean off an island in the Caribbean Sea.
Oliver, whose real name was Christian Klepser, was with his daughters Madita, 12, and Annick, 10, when they died alongside their pilot Robert Sachs.
On Friday, an emotional statement from Jessica Klebser and her family was shared on Instagram through the Wundabar Pilates page by Amy Jordan, the company’s owner.
Jessica works as the regional manager for the company’s California branch.
The statement begins: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which claimed the lives of our beloved family members.” “Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annick (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a vacation in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, all four passengers on board the small plane did not survive.
The “Baby-Sitter’s Club” alum and his children were being flown from Bequia Island to St. Lucia when their single-engine plane “experienced difficulties and fell into the ocean.”
The plane then fell quickly into the ocean as a mobile phone video captured the tragic moment.
Klesper’s statement touched on how much Oliver and his daughters are loved by their family, friends and community members.
“Madeta, a vibrant seventh-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was known for her lively spirit and excelled in academics, dancing, singing, and performing,” the post read. “Annik, a fourth-grader at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was recognized for her kind and strong behavior.”
“She was always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug. Her passions included basketball, swimming, and various art forms,” the post continued.
“The deep bond, infectious laughter and adventurous spirit that Madita and Anik shared will be greatly missed in their communities. Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser in Los Angeles, is survived by the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Germany.
The post adds that “Oliver’s loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” and asks for privacy during this difficult time.
Oliver, his two daughters, and the pilot were declared dead on the spot while people nearby, such as divers, tried to rescue them.
The Coast Guard recovered the bodies from the wreckage, which fell in 70 feet of water.
The German-born actor has amassed more than 63 acting credits and has starred in numerous notable roles, including appearances in the hit films “The Outer Wild,” “Valkyrie,” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
He moved to the United States when he was 21 years old to pursue a career in modeling and acting.