On Thursday, a tragic airplane crash in Macon County, North Carolina, near Iotla Valley Elementary School claimed the lives of three people. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field adjacent to the Macon County Airport around 3 p.m., with no survivors.

Although officials have not officially confirmed the victims’ identities, multiple news outlets report that one of the deceased was Grammy Award-winning songwriter Brett James, whose full legal name was Brett Cornelius, the owner of the plane according to FAA records. James, aged 57, was known for writing or co-writing country hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Martina McBride’s “Blessed,” and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, reviewing records, radar data, weather reports, and witness statements, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. The aircraft has been moved to a secure facility for further evaluation. Witnesses, including a school resource officer, reported the crash, describing a loud bang but no fire at the scene.

Macon County Schools confirmed that all students and staff were safe, as the incident occurred off-campus. FlightAware data indicates the plane departed from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville at 12:41 p.m. before crashing.

The investigation continues, with the NTSB seeking additional information from witnesses via email at [email protected].