Christian Oliver: Hollywood actor and two daughters killed in Caribbean plane crash

Actor Christian Oliver and his two daughters have died in a plane crash in the eastern Caribbean.

The aircraft went down just west of Petit Nevis, a tiny private island near Bequia, part of St Vincent and Grenadines, on Thursday afternoon, according to the Caribbean nation's police.

The single-engine plane had just taken off from Becquia, which is popular with tourists, heading for St Lucia, around 65 miles (104km) away, police said in a statement.

Officers named the daughters as 10-year-old Madita Klepser, and Annik Klepser, who was 12.

It was not immediately clear what caused the crash, according to police.

Fishermen and divers in the area went to the crash site to help the St Vincent and Grenadines Coast Guard in the search.

Police said: “The selfless and brave acts of the fishermen and divers is very much appreciated.”

Oliver, 51, whose real name was Christian Klepser, had dozens of film and television roles, including the 2008 film Speed Racer and The Good German, a 2006 World War Two movie that also starred George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.

He appeared in season two of the 1990s series “Saved by the Bell: The New Class,” playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.

Originally from Frankfurt, he played a detective in Alarm für Cobra 11, a long-running German TV police drama in the early 2000s.

On Monday, Oliver had posted a picture of a beach at sunset on Instagram, wishing followers a happy new year “from somewhere in paradise.”

Christian Oliver Biography:

Born Christian Klepser in Celle, Germany on March 3, 1972, Oliver's path to acting began in his hometown of Frankfurt am Main. He honed his artistic talents at the Freiherr-vom-Stein-Schule before setting his sights on the international stage.

Emboldened by dreams of Hollywood, Oliver decamped to the United States and established himself as a model. Recognizing his charisma and potential, he soon started pursuing formal acting training in New York and Los Angeles. This dedication laid the foundation for a vibrant career that would transcend continental boundaries.

Oliver's early television appearances in “Saved by the Bell: The New Class” and also  “V.I.P.” showcased his versatility and charm. He also seamlessly navigated between American and German productions, landing a prominent role in the action-packed series “Alarm für Cobra 11” from 2002 to 2004. This performance cemented his status as a rising star in Germany, also captivating audiences with his dynamic presence and thrilling stunts.

Oliver's career began in the vibrant world of New York modeling. This initial foray into the entertainment industry provided him with valuable stage presence and a keen understanding of visual storytelling. However, his ambition lay beyond the catwalk. He also craved the depth and emotional resonance of acting, leading him to enroll in acting classes and hone his craft.

While Christian Oliver's tragic passing in 2024 leaves a void in the entertainment industry, his career journey and personal achievements remain a testament to his talent and dedication.