Over $150,000 has been collected to support the wife of Christian Oliver, the late actor from Speed Racer, following a devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of him and their two children.
Oliver, born Christian Klepser, passed away at the age of 51 on January 4, when the single-engine plane he was on crashed into the sea.
In addition to the Indiana Jones star, Christian Oliver, his two daughters, 10-year-old Madita and 12-year-old Annik, along with pilot Robert Sachs, were also on board. Unfortunately, all four individuals tragically lost their lives.
The incident took place off the coast of the small Caribbean island of Bequia, a part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force later reported that the small plane “plummeted into the ocean” due to “difficulties” it experienced.
Fishermen, divers, and Coast Guard personnel successfully recovered the bodies of all four individuals, who were later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.
Upon learning of the tragic incident, a GoFundMe campaign was initiated to provide financial assistance to Oliver’s wife, Jessica Klepser, who was in Los Angeles at the time of the crash.
Credit: Vivien Killilea / Stringer / Getty
The accompanying description of the fundraiser outlines how the raised funds will be utilized, stating, “Your donations will assist in covering the expenses for bringing Christian and the girls back home, organizing funeral and memorial services, addressing legal costs, and offering substantial support to Jessica and the extended family during this profoundly challenging period.”
As of the current update, the donations for Jessica have surpassed $150,000, reflecting an outpouring of support from a large number of contributors.
The fundraising page has been inundated with messages offering support to Jessica, along with poignant tributes to all three family members. One individual expressed their heartfelt sentiments, saying, “I am thinking of you every minute since I heard about this unimaginable tragedy. My heart has broken into pieces—for you and your beautiful family.”
Another contributor expressed their sorrow, saying, “Our hearts are so heavy in our home; we will miss Christian, Madita, and Annik terribly. Words are insufficient. Each of them touched our lives for years. Jessica, thinking of you every moment.”
Currently, Jessica Klepser, Oliver’s widow, and the mother of Madita and Annik, has released a statement on social media, joined by other members of her family.
Christian Oliver and his family in 2015. Credit: Barry King / Getty
“We express profound grief over the unfortunate plane incident that occurred on January 4, 2024, claiming the lives of our cherished family members,” the statement commences. “Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), alongside their father Christian, were returning from a vacation in the Caribbean when the single-engine aircraft they were aboard encountered engine issues, ultimately plummeting into the ocean. Regrettably, none of the four occupants on the compact plane survived.”
Madita, an energetic seventh-grade student at Louis Armstrong Middle School, was recognized for her spirited nature and excelled in academics, dance, singing, and performances.
Annik, a fourth-grade student at Wonderland Ave Elementary School, was acknowledged for her gentle yet resilient demeanor. She consistently extended a kind word or a comforting hug to those around her. Her interests encompassed basketball, swimming, and diverse forms of art.
The profound connection, contagious laughter, and adventurous spirit that Madita and Annik shared will be deeply missed within their communities.
The actor is survived by his wife and sister. Credit: Rachel Luna / Stringer / Getty
The statement further notes, “Surviving the girls is their dedicated mother, Jessica Klepser, in LA. They also leave behind grandparents, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany.”
“Christian, a versatile actor in both Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with an extensive network of close friends globally, is survived by Jessica, his parents, and sister in Germany. His absence will be keenly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The statement concludes with a request to respect the family’s need for privacy during this challenging period. It then suggests making donations to a GoFundMe campaign in lieu of sending flowers.
Oliver, originally from Germany, relocated to the United States at the age of 21 to embark on a career in acting and modeling. Attaining fame through roles in television shows such as Saved By The Bell in the 90s, he furthered his success by collaborating with Steven Soderbergh in the 2006 film The Good German, sharing the screen with esteemed actors like Cate Blanchett and George Clooney. Additionally, he made notable appearances in films such as 2008’s Valkyrie and Speed Racer.
More recently, enthusiasts might recall his presence in last year’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Our heartfelt thoughts persistently extend to everyone affected by this tragedy.
