GoFundMe set up by Christian Oliver's wife raises $100K as she mourns husband, ‘lively’ daughters' deaths

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The fundraiser set up set up by Jessica Klepser, the wife of actor Christian Oliver, who died along with their two daughters in a plane crash, has surpassed $100K in donations. 

Jessica has been mourning the loss loss of her "beloved family members" and also paid tribute to their "vibrant" and "gentle" personalities.

What happened to Christian Oliver and his daughters?

Christian Oliver, 51, the 'Indiana Jones' star and his daughters Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, were flying from Bequia to St Lucia on a single-engine plane on January 4, 2024.

They were on a holiday in the Caribbean. The pilot, Robert Sachs, reported engine trouble shortly after takeoff and tried to return to the airport, but the plane plunged into the sea and killed all the four passengers.

Local fishermen and the coast guard recovered the bodies of the victims and took them to a mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Jessica Klepser requests privacy during the difficult time

Jessica Klepser and her family have requested privacy during this difficult time. They also set up a GoFundMe page "in the loving memory of Christian, Madita and Annik" to help "Jessica as she navigates this catastrophic loss."

The organizer of the fundraiser, Sarah Silverman, wrote, “Your donations will help cover the cost of returning Christian and the girls home, funeral and memorial services, legal expenses."

As of Saturday morning, the GoFundMe page had received more than $$100,000 in donations, surpassing the initial goal of $50,000. Many donors expressed their condolences and prayers for Jessica and her family.

"I am devastated beyond words. I feel so sorry for Jessica and the rest of Christian’s family," one wrote on the fundraiser. Another added, "I am incredibly sorry for this heartbreaking loss. I pray for your comfort and peace during this impossible time." one said, "My heart is with you Jessica. I’m so sorry."

Jessica Klepser’s heartbreaking tribute to her husband and daughters

Jessica Klepser, who works as the regional manager of Wundabar Pilates in California, posted her statement on the company’s Instagram page.

The owner, Amy Jordan, had earlier announced the tragic news to her 17 million followers. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members," she wrote.

The statement detailed how her daughters, Madita and Annik, along with their father Christian, died in a single-engine plane crash. She then described the qualities and passions of her children, who attended different schools in Los Angeles. 

She said, "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.

"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," she said.

Madita and Annik shared a deep bond 

Jessica wrote in the statement that, "The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities."

The statement also mentioned the survivors of her husband and daughters, who included their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany. "Their devoted mother, Jessica, survives the girls. They also leave behind their grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins in Germany," the statement continued.

She added, "Christian, an actor in Europe and the US, and a real estate agent with a broad network of close friends worldwide, is survived by Jessica, his parents and sister in Germany. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him."