Actor Christian Oliver's wife has issued a statement Oliver and the couple's two young daughters died Thursday in a small plane crash in the Caribbean.
Oliver, 51, and his two daughters Madita, 12, and Annick, 10, were flying the 65-mile flight from Petit Nevis to St. Lucia in a small plane flown by pilot and owner Robert Sachs, Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. The plane crashed into the sea about a mile off the coast of Petit Nevis, killing all four people on board, the police force said. Days before the accident, Oliver had posted on Instagram that he was ringing in the New Year with his family “somewhere in paradise.”
A Statement attributed to Jessica Klepser, Oliver's wife and other family members said they were “very sad.” Oliver's birth name is Christian Klesper, but he performs using the last name Oliver. The statement was issued by Klepser's workplace, Wundabar, a Pilates studio chain where she was a regional manager.
Klepser described Madita as a “vibrant 7th grader… known for her lively spirit and excelling in academics, dance, singing and performing.” Her younger sister, Annique, was “a fourth-grader … recognized for her gentle and strong demeanor,” who was “always the first to offer a kind word or a comforting hug” and loved basketball, swimming and art.
“The deep bond, infectious laughter and adventurous spirit that Mathita and Annick shared will be deeply missed in their communities,” the statement said.
Annique and Madita's mother, grandmother and several aunts, uncles and cousins are in Germany, where Oliver is from, the statement said. Oliver lives in Germany with his wife, parents and sister.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” the statement said.
A GoFundMe for the family, set up to cover the costs of transporting the remains, funeral and memorial services, legal expenses and other assistance, has already surpassed its $100,000 goal.
