LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Hollywood actor Christian Oliver's former wife has paid a sad tribute to him and their two young daughters after the girls and their father died in a small plane crash near a private island in the eastern Caribbean.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic aircraft accident on January 4, 2024 that claimed the lives of our beloved family members,” said a statement posted Friday on the Instagram account of Wundabar Pilates, where Jessica Klepser is regional manager California is. “Our daughters Madita (12) and Annik (10) were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean with their father Christian when the single-engine plane they were traveling on suffered engine failure and crashed into the sea.”
According to St. Vincent and the Grenadines police, the crash occurred Thursday west of the island of Petit Nevis near Bequia as the plane was en route to nearby St. Lucia. The pilot Robert Sachs also died.
The Klepser family's statement was released by Amy Jordan, owner of Wundabar Pilates. Jordan said it was “a blessing to have Madita and Annik in our lives for many years, and I will keep the memories of pool parties, sleepovers, school plays and Disneyland trips in my heart.” My focus during this time will be on supporting Jessica and my daughter, who was Annik's best friend.”
In their tribute, Klepser and his family described Madita as “a vibrant 7th grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School” and said she was known for “her lively spirit and excellence in academics, dance, singing and performance.”
“Annik, a 4th grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was valued for her gentle but 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 statement said. “The deep connection, infectious laughter and spirit of adventure that Madita and Annik share will be sorely missed in their communities.”
Louis Armstrong Middle School and Wonderland Avenue Elementary School are located in Sherman Oaks and the Hollywood Hills, respectively.
Oliver, whose real name is Christian Klepser, and his daughters leave behind Jessica Klepser in Los Angeles. The girls also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins in Germany.
“Christian, an actor in Europe and the USA and a real estate agent with a wide network of close friends worldwide, leaves behind Jessica, his parents and his sister in Germany. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him,” said the elegy, while also calling for the family’s wish for privacy to be honored.
A GoFundMe has been created by comedian and actress Sarah Silverman.
Donations to the fundraiser “will help cover the costs of returning Christian and the girls home, the funeral and memorial service, and legal costs, and will go a long way toward supporting Jessica and the extended family at this terribly difficult time.” Silverman said in a statement.
According to police, it was not initially clear what caused the plane crash.
Authorities said fishermen and divers in the area went to the crash site to help, while the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard headed to the area.
“The selfless and courageous actions of the fishermen and divers are greatly appreciated,” police said.
Oliver, 51, was born in Germany and has had dozens of major film and television roles, including in the 2008 film “Speed Racer” and “The Good German,” a Steven Soderbergh film about World War II 2006, which starred George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.
He appeared throughout the second season of the 1990s series Saved by the Bell: The New Class, playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.