Mother of two girls killed with their actor father in plane crash pays tribute

The mother of the two young girls who died alongside their actor father in a plane crash in the Caribbean has paid tribute to her children.

German actor Christian Oliver, whose real name is Christian Klepser, was best known for his roles in Indiana Jones, The Baby-Sitters Club, Speed Racer, and Valkyrie among others.

His daughters Madita and Annik were aged just 10 and 12. Their mother Jessica Klepser, who works as a pilates instructor in LA, has since shared a statement on behalf of the family, remembering her two girls as having a ‘deep bond and infectious laughter’.

A statement shared on WundaBar Pilates Instagram read: ‘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.’

It 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.

‘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.’

In the days before his death, 51-year-old Christian had posted a message of love and hope for the New Year, something which has taken on a tragic meaning following the crash.

‘Greetings from somewhere in paradise! To community and love …2024 here we come,’ he excitedly penned in the caption of a picture showing a sunset off the small island of Bequia, which is part of the larger St. Vincent.

In his photo, Christian had captured the silhouette of a family on a beach looking out on the calm tropical waters of the Caribbean. ‘Let Love Rule,’ the actor added over his photo.

‘So sad that this was the last thing he posted on his feed,’ one fan wrote noting the ominous nature of the actor’s final message.

‘This post is particularly heartbreaking,’ another wrote while a third said: ‘My deepest sympathy to his wife on the unimaginable loss of husband and two daughters. There are no words,’

The Roal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Forces issued a statement on Thursday following the crash that read: ‘Moments after taking off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean.

‘Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance. The SVG Coast Guard was informed and quickly traveled to Paget Farm, Bequia, to lead in the rescue efforts.’

Christian, Madita, and Annik as well as pilot Rober Sachs were recovered from the water. They were all later pronounced dead.

A GoFundMe has since been set up to help cover the cost of returning Christian and the girls home as well as paying for funeral and memorial services.