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Franklin, NC (September 18, 2025) - According to local news reports, Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James was among three individuals killed in a tragic small-plane crash near Franklin, North Carolina. The crash occurred around 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, when a Cirrus SR22T aircraft went down in a field west of Iotla Valley Elementary School. Authorities confirmed that no one on board survived.
The aircraft, registered under the name of Brett James from Brentwood, Tennessee, had departed from John C Tune Airport in Nashville earlier that day. It was en route to North Carolina when it crashed near the school grounds. Emergency services responded promptly, and the Macon County Sheriff's Office confirmed that all students and staff at the nearby Iotla Valley Elementary were safe. Fire Department Chief Dustin Pendergrass noted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “It could have been much, much worse… everybody here at the school, staff, everything, everybody's safe, taken care of.”
James, 57, was a renowned figure in the music industry. He earned a Grammy Award in 2006 for Best Country Song for co-writing Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” His songwriting career included collaborations with well-known artists like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, and Bon Jovi. Over 500 of his songs have been featured on albums with a combined total of over 110 million in sales, according to the Nashville Songwriters Association International. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also owned Cornman Music and served on boards for the Country Music Association and The Recording Academy.
The two other victims were identified as Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the crash and noted that the National Transportation Safety Board would lead the investigation. An NTSB investigator was expected on-site the following day to begin examining the scene and gathering evidence. The aircraft’s tail number, N218VB, was also confirmed in FAA documentation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash. The FAA stated that a preliminary accident report will be released soon. Until then, the community of Franklin and the wider music industry mourn the loss of a prominent and well-respected figure, whose work left a lasting impact on country music and beyond.
Why Working With a Personal Injury Attorney in Franklin, NC Can Make a Difference
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident or sudden loss can leave individuals and families feeling emotionally and financially overwhelmed. In Franklin, NC, having the guidance of a personal injury attorney can help you take back control in a situation that may feel uncertain. Whether it’s a car accident, plane crash, slip and fall, or another unexpected incident, legal support can provide much-needed direction and peace of mind.
An experienced personal injury lawyer in Franklin, NC is familiar with local laws and procedures. That matters when it comes to gathering evidence, meeting filing deadlines, and dealing with insurance companies that may try to reduce your compensation. Instead of navigating the legal system on your own, a lawyer can act as your advocate—someone who understands how these cases work and will make sure your side is heard.
Taking legal action doesn’t have to be intimidating. A good attorney will talk you through your options in plain language, help you understand your rights, and provide guidance every step of the way. This can be especially helpful if you're facing medical bills, lost wages, or long-term recovery. For anyone searching for a personal injury lawyer near me in Franklin or throughout North Carolina, working with a firm that is local, responsive, and caring can be an important first step toward recovery.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer in Franklin, NC Can Help After an Accident
After an accident, there’s a lot to deal with—doctor visits, repair costs, insurance claims, and the stress of recovery. A personal injury lawyer in Franklin, NC can help take some of that weight off your shoulders by handling the legal details. Their job is to investigate what happened, gather facts, and make sure you’re treated fairly under the law.
In some cases, an attorney may work with outside experts, such as accident reconstructionists or medical professionals, to build a strong case. They’ll negotiate with insurance providers on your behalf and, if necessary, take the case to court to pursue full compensation for your losses. It’s about more than just legal representation—it’s about making sure you’re supported and protected during a difficult time.
Franklin residents deserve legal support that listens and responds quickly. Whether you’ve been hurt in a car crash, a fall on someone else’s property, or an aviation-related incident, a personal injury law firm in North Carolina can step in and advocate for your needs. The goal is to let you focus on healing while your legal team handles the rest.
Why You May Need a Wrongful Death Attorney in Franklin, NC
Losing a loved one in an accident that could have been prevented is heartbreaking and often comes with more questions than answers. In these moments, a wrongful death attorney in North Carolina can help your family get clarity and take the right legal steps. It’s not just about seeking compensation—it’s about finding the truth and making sure what happened is thoroughly investigated.
A wrongful death case often involves complex laws and tight deadlines. That’s why many families choose to work with a Franklin wrongful death lawyer who knows what to look for, how to handle the paperwork, and how to pursue justice with care and focus. Whether the incident involved a car, commercial truck, airplane, or unsafe conditions, a legal team can help identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable.
How a Franklin Wrongful Death Lawyer Can Support Families
When families are facing grief and trying to understand what went wrong, a wrongful death lawyer in Franklin, NC can serve as a steady and reliable guide. These attorneys investigate the cause of the death, whether it was negligence, equipment failure, or reckless behavior. Their role is to uncover facts, protect the family's rights, and pursue fair compensation for the emotional and financial impact of the loss.
Support might include recovering costs related to funeral expenses, medical bills, lost future income, and loss of companionship. More importantly, the process can give families a sense of closure and accountability. Legal representation ensures that no stone is left unturned, and that justice is pursued with respect and professionalism.
For those looking for a wrongful death attorney near me in Franklin or elsewhere in North Carolina, it’s important to find a law firm that treats every case with compassion and commitment. Having someone on your side who truly understands wrongful death law in North Carolina can make the process feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Smart Choice for Plane Crash Wrongful Death Cases in Franklin
Losing someone in a tragic accident like a plane crash is devastating and often leaves families feeling overwhelmed by both grief and the complexity of what comes next. When wrongful death is a possibility, it becomes critical to have the right legal support to help navigate the steps forward. That’s where Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers can help families in Franklin.
Based in Charlotte but working across North Carolina, this firm focuses on wrongful death and personal injury law. They bring deep experience and a thoughtful approach to families who are facing unimaginable circumstances. Whether the cause of the crash points to mechanical failure, human error, or other contributing factors, a legal team can help investigate and advocate for those left behind.
A plane crash wrongful death case often requires working with multiple agencies, such as the FAA and NTSB, and handling layers of evidence and timelines. This isn’t something most families can handle alone. That’s why having a reliable legal team with a background in handling complex personal injury claims is important. Rosensteel Fleishman’s team is prepared to work closely with the facts of each case and push for accountability.
Calling 1-704-714-1450 is a first step toward understanding your legal options. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation. It’s simply a conversation to help you decide what’s right for your family.
Helping Families in Franklin Make Sense of Tragic Loss
Plane crashes are rare but incredibly complicated. When they happen, they leave behind serious legal questions. Who is responsible? Could this have been prevented? These are the questions a wrongful death lawyer in Franklin, NC can begin to explore. Rosensteel Fleishman works to help families get answers and seek justice through appropriate legal action.
They can assist with gathering evidence, working with aviation experts, and coordinating with federal investigators if needed. Their role is to make sure your family doesn’t feel alone during such a difficult process. If someone’s negligence or oversight led to a tragedy, Rosensteel Fleishman is ready to take the right steps to hold them accountable.
What to Expect When You Contact a Franklin Wrongful Death Attorney
When you contact a wrongful death attorney in Franklin, NC, the first thing you’ll receive is compassion and a willingness to listen. At Rosensteel Fleishman, their attorneys know how painful these moments are. They take the time to understand your situation, review any available facts, and talk through your concerns in clear and simple terms.
From there, the firm may assist with filing legal paperwork, speaking to insurance companies, and working to get answers from investigators. Their goal is to protect your family’s rights and pursue fair compensation when it’s appropriate. This can include coverage for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related costs.
Reasons to Work With a Personal Injury Law Firm in North Carolina
There are many benefits to hiring a North Carolina personal injury law firm when dealing with a wrongful death case. These include:
- Local knowledge of state laws and courts
- Familiarity with wrongful death claim requirements
- Access to investigative and medical experts
- Negotiation with insurance providers
- Compassionate and responsive communication
Working with a Franklin wrongful death attorney who knows how to handle aviation-related incidents ensures that your case is handled with care and seriousness. Rosensteel Fleishman is prepared to represent your family every step of the way.
Supporting Families Affected by the Franklin Plane Crash
The Franklin plane crash that claimed the life of songwriter Brett James and two others is a sobering reminder of how suddenly life can change. For those impacted by this tragedy, including the families of the victims, having legal guidance can make a significant difference. At Rosensteel Fleishman, the team understands how painful and confusing this time can be, and they are here to help.
Investigating aviation accidents is complex and often requires collaboration between multiple parties, including federal agencies and private experts. Families may be unsure where to begin or what their rights are under North Carolina wrongful death laws. That’s where the firm steps in. They provide clear, practical support to help grieving families explore whether a wrongful death lawsuit is appropriate.
The legal team can help secure answers and hold the responsible parties accountable. Whether it’s a mechanical issue, human error, or other contributing factor, Rosensteel Fleishman works to uncover the truth and push for justice on behalf of the families. If you or someone you love has been affected by this crash or a similar aviation tragedy, you don't have to face the legal challenges alone. Help is available right here in North Carolina.
Why Rosensteel Fleishman Is a Good Option for Wrongful Death and Injury Cases in North Carolina
When tragedy strikes, having a dependable legal team can help bring clarity to an overwhelming situation. Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers has been trusted by people throughout North Carolina for years, including those dealing with wrongful death and serious personal injury cases. Their team takes a straightforward, supportive approach that keeps the focus on your needs.
Matthew Fleishman and Corey Rosensteel both bring a track record of helping families during their hardest times. Their firm has built a reputation for being responsive, knowledgeable, and truly committed to the people they represent. As Corey Rosensteel puts it, “We want every client to feel like they have someone in their corner, someone they can talk to and count on from the beginning to the end.”
The firm’s Charlotte office serves clients across North Carolina, including those in Franklin and surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Franklin, NC or need help with a wrongful death case anywhere in the state, this team is ready to help.
Start Your Free Consultation With a Franklin Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If your family is dealing with a sudden loss and you’re unsure what steps to take next, Rosensteel Fleishman is here to help. Their attorneys will walk you through your options and provide honest, helpful advice during a free consultation. There’s no pressure and no cost to get started—just answers from experienced legal professionals who care.
To speak with a Franklin wrongful death lawyer or personal injury attorney in North Carolina, call 1-704-714-1450. This one call could help you move forward with confidence, knowing that someone is here to support you every step of the way.
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