Actor Christian Oliver, whose film credits include The Baby-Sitters Club and Speed Racer, was killed in a plane crash near the island of Petit Nevis on Jan. 4, local authorities confirmed in a Facebook statement. He was 51.
Along with Christian Oliver real name Christian Klepser, his daughters Annik, 12, and Madita, 10, also died in the crash along with the one-engine plane’s pilot and owner, Robert Sachs.
“The aircraft went airborne from the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm about 12:11 p.m. for St. Lucia as its final destination,” the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force stated.
“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,” authorities continued. “The SVG Coast Guard was informed and quickly traveled to Paget Farm, Bequia, to lead in the rescue efforts.”
The bodies of the four passengers were recovered by Coast Guard personnel, the statement noted, and they were ultimately pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
“The RSVGPF expresses condolences to all who are negatively affected by this tragic incident,” the message concluded. “The RSVGPF will update the public as more information is gathered. Investigation into the matter continues.”
On New Year’s Day, shortly before the plane tragedy, Christian Oliver appeared to share a photo from his tropical vacation.
“Greetings from somewhere in paradise!” he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the beach. “To community and love …2024 her [sic] we come!”