Kit Roberts
The family of Christian Oliver have released a statement following the deaths of the actor and his children.
Oliver and his two young daughters were on board the small one-engine aircraft when it crashed into the sea off of Bequia, which is part of St. Vincent in the Caribbean.
The flight from J.F. Mitchell Airport to St Lucia experienced difficulties early on, with police saying it 'plummeted into the ocean'.
Oliver, his two daughters Madita, 10, and Annik, 12, and pilot Robert Sachs were all killed in the crash.
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The German actor was known for his roles in 2008's Speed Racer and 2023's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Now the family of Oliver, whose real name was Christian Klepser, have released a statement on the tragedy.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," the statement read.
"Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean when 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 continued: “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.
"Their devoted mother, Jessica Klepser in LA, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany.
“Christian, an actor in Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with a broad network of close friends worldwide, is survived by Jessica, his parents and sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.”
The family also asked for their privacy to be respected as they grieve.
The bodies of all four people on board have been recovered from the sea, and were taken Kingstown Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
An investigation into the crash has now been opened, and more information will be released as it progresses.
Taking to Instagram just days before his death, Oliver had posted an image with the caption: "Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love …2024 her [sic] we come!"
A family friend has since set up a GoFundMe 'in loving memory of Christian, Madita and Annik'.