Thespian Christian Oliver, recognized for his roles in “Speed Racer” and “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” was one of the four individuals who perished in a plane crash in the Caribbean on Thursday, as stated by the police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was 51.
As per the police, the accident occurred west of Petit Nevis off the coast of Bequia resulting in the loss of Oliver’s two daughters: 10-year-old Madita Klepser and 12-year-old Annik Klepser, along with the pilot, Robert Sachs.
The aircraft took off from J.F. Mitchell Airport in Bequia’s Paget Farm en route to St. Lucia, a popular destination in the Caribbean, at 12:11 p.m. local time, police revealed.
”The plane encountered difficulties moments after takeoff and crashed into the ocean,” authorities added. In a separate statement shared on Friday, police expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the fishermen and divers in Bequia who collaborated with the St. Vincent and Grenadines Coast Guard in retrieving the bodies.
The cause of the accident was not immediately evident, as reported by the Associated Press stated, and an investigation has been launched by the police. The four bodies were transported to Kingstown Mortuary, where “post-mortem examinations” will be conducted to ascertain the causes of death.
“The RSVGPF extends condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident,” the Thursday statement conveyed. “The RSVGPF will keep the public updated as more information becomes available.”
Prior to his passing, Oliver — who shared his daughters with wife and Pilates instructor Jessica Klepser — celebrated the New Year on Instagram, sharing a photograph of a coastal sunset.
“Greetings from somewhere in paradise!,” he wrote. “To community and love …2024 [here] we come !”
Christian Oliver, his wife Jessica Mazur and their daughters at the Los Angeles premiere of “Home” on March 22, 2015 in Westwood, Calif.
(Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic)
Oliver, real name Christian Klepser, was born in Germany and commenced his acting career as Brian Keller, a transfer student from Switzerland, in NBC’s “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” as reported by IMDB. He starred in numerous television series including Prime Video’s “Hunters,” CW’s “The Outpost” and Netflix’s “Sense8.”
He also appeared in the movies “Rattlesnakes,” “Animal Among Us,” “Valkyrie” and “The Good German.” The video games “Medal of Honor: Underground” and “Call of Duty: WWII” also contributed to Oliver’s diverse acting career. Before his demise, Oliver was slated to appear in the film “Forever Hold Your Peace” and a short video “London Blue.”
Besides acting, Oliver was a producer and writer, being involved in the production of the 2009 comedy “Ready or Not,” the 2018 horror-adventure “The Outer Wild” and the 2020 miniseries “Abe,” among other projects.
