This article dates back over six months.
In a profound moment of grief, Jessica Klepser, a Pilates instructor from Los Angeles, has honored the memory of her former spouse, actor Christian Oliver, and their two young daughters, who perished in a recent aviation disaster. The tragic incident occurred when their small aircraft plunged into the crystalline expanse of the Caribbean Sea, taking with it the lives of the pilot as well.
A heartfelt tribute was shared on Instagram late Friday by Wundabar Pilates, the studio where Klepser is employed. In her poignant remarks, Klepser reflected on the lives of her daughters—Madita Maia, aged 12, and Annik Luna, aged 10—describing them as remarkable individuals whose absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew them.
Madita, a seventh grader brimming with vitality, was celebrated for her spirited presence in academics, dance, and performance arts. Her younger sister Annik, a fourth grader, was recognized for her gentle strength and her inclination to offer solace and kindness, with a fervent love for basketball, swimming, and artistic pursuits.
The tribute highlighted the deep connection and joyous exuberance that defined the girls’ lives, asserting that their absence would leave a significant void in their community.
Oliver, originally named Christian Klepser, was not only a celebrated actor but also a real estate professional with a vast network of close friends globally. The tribute noted the enduring impact of his loss on those who knew him.
Klepser and Oliver were married on July 4, 2010, according to Los Angeles court records. Following their separation in December 2021, their divorce was finalized in June 2022, with shared legal custody of their daughters. An online GoFundMe campaign established to support the family’s needs has surpassed its $100,000 target, aiming to cover funeral expenses and the repatriation of the deceased.
Oliver, Madita, and Annik were traveling together on a holiday when their single-engine plane, which had taken off from Bequia in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines at approximately 12:10 PM local time on Thursday, encountered severe difficulties and ultimately crashed into the Caribbean Sea.
Authorities reported that the aircraft, en route to St. Lucia, encountered issues shortly after takeoff. The Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines police force, along with local fishers, divers, and coast guard personnel, conducted a search and recovery operation, successfully retrieving the bodies of Oliver, his daughters, and the pilot, Robert Sachs, a Bequia resident.
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The news of Oliver’s untimely death reverberated through the film industry and beyond. Fellow actors, including Nick Lyon and Bai Ling, who worked with Oliver on the upcoming film Forever Hold Your Peace, expressed their sorrow. Oliver’s acting career, which began in 1994 with Saved by the Bell: The New Class, included notable roles in The Good German, Speed Racer, and Valkyrie.
