The wife of the late actor Christian Oliver has spoken out in the days following the death of her husband and two children.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members,” Jessica Klepser wrote in a statement.
On Friday, US time, news broke of a fatal plane crash in the Caribbean, claiming the life of Speed Racer actor Christian Oliver. He was travelling with his two daughters, age 12 and 10, who also died.
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The Klepser family’s statement was posted to the Instagram page of WundaBar pilates, where Jessica works as a regional manager.
According to the statement, Oliver and his two kids, Madita and Annik, were on holiday in the Caribbean over New Year’s. When they were returning home, “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,” the statement reads.
The statement went on to pay tribute to the two girls.
“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.”
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“[Christian’s] loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” the statement concluded.
The Instagram post also noted that in lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations via an online fundraiser page.
Just after New Year, Oliver posted a photo that seemed to have been taken while in the Caribbean with his daughters. “Greetings from somewhere in paradise!,” he captioned the snap. “To community and love …2024 here we come!”
The 51-year-old actor born in Germany had dozens of crediting film and television roles, including in The Good German, a 2006 World War II film by Steven Soderbergh that starred George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.
He appeared throughout season two of the 1990s series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.