Jessica Klepser, the ex-wife of late actor Christian Oliver, has spoken out after the tragic death of her ex-husband and their two young daughters this week.
The 51-year-old “Hunters” and “Speed Racer” actor died Thursday when the small plane they were in crashed into the ocean off a Caribbean island.
Oliver, whose real name is Christian Klepser, was with daughters Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, when they died alongside their pilot, Robert Sachs.
On Friday, an emotional statement from Jessica Klepser and her family was shared on Instagram by Wundabar Pilates’ page by Amy Jordan, the company’s owner.
Jessica serves as the regional manager of the company’s California branch.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members,” the statement begins. “Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive.”
The “Baby-Sitter’s Club” alum and his kids were being flown from the island of Bequia to St. Lucia when their single-engine plane “experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean.”
The plane then rapidly dipped into the ocean as cellphone video caught the tragic moment.
Klesper’s statement touched on how Oliver and his daughters were loved by their family, friends, and community members.
“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,” the post read. “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 post continued.
“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.”
The post adds that Oliver’s “loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him,” and asks for privacy at this difficult time.
Oliver, his two daughters, and the pilot were pronounced dead on the spot while people nearby, such as divers, tried to save them.
The Coast Guard recovered the bodies from the debris that fell into 70 feet of water.
The German-born actor had amassed over 63 acting credits and starred in several high-profile roles, including appearances in the hit films “The Outer Wild,” “Valkyrie” and “Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny.”
He moved to the United States when he was 21 years old to pursue a modeling and acting career.
