A British man has paid tribute to the pilot whose light aircraft crashed into the Caribbean Sea, killing him, a Hollywood actor and his two daughters.
Robert Sachs was flying film star Christian Olivier and his two daughters Madita Klepser, 10 and Annik Klepser, 13, when the tragedy happened.
The four seater Bellanca light aircraft plunged into the sea off the private island of Becquia, part of St Vincent and Grenadines, on January 4.
Stephen Bath, from Christchurch, Dorset, flew with US-born Mr Sachs while on holiday to Becquia in November 2021.
Like most tourists Mr Bath had hired the wooden plane for an hour’s flight over the neighboring islands that include Mustique, a popular holiday spot for movie stars such as Daniel Craig.
Stephen Bath (left) and Robert Sachs (right), Bath, a British tourist paid tribute to Sachs as a ‘safe’ pilot in the aftermath of his tragic death last Thursday
Oliver pictured with his ex-wife, Jessica Muroz, and their two daughters in March 2015
Robert Sachs’ Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking shown here in a post on Facebook
Mr Bath described Mr Sachs as a ‘charming and experienced’ pilot.
He said: ‘I was really sad to hear what happened.
‘Bob was an extremely experienced and safe pilot. I can’t imagine that it was pilot error, he was too experienced. Something must have gone wrong with the aircraft at the wrong moment.
‘Bob was a lovely and charming guy and he was known as Bequia Bob.’
According to his LinkedIn page, Sachs operated a diving business in addition to offering short flights in Bequia.
Mr Oliver and his two daughters had just taken off from Bequia and were heading for St Lucia when the plane came down.
Authorities said fishermen and divers in the area went to the crash site to help as the St. Vincent and Grenadines Coast Guard headed to the area.
‘The selfless and brave acts of the fishermen and divers is very much appreciated,’ police said.
The 51-year-old actor born in Germany had dozens of crediting film and television roles, including in the 2008 film ‘Speed Racer’ film and ‘The Good German,’ a 2006 World War II film by Steven Soderbergh that starred George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.
Among those paying tribute to Oliver was his co-star Bai Ling. The pair recently completed filming Forever Hold Your Peace together
Two days before his death, Oliver posted a photo showing a beach in a tropical setting with the caption: ‘Let love rule. Wishing all of you the best for 2024’
Oliver, shown here with screen legend Al Pacino in 2020, had more than 60 credits on his IMDb page
He appeared throughout season two of the 1990s series ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class,’ playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.
Oliver’s wife Jessica Klepser and her family issued an emotional statement on Friday – a day after a horrific plane crash claimed the lives of Christian and their two daughters.
The message was posted on the Instagram page of Wundabar Pilates, where Jessica works as the regional manager of the company’s California branch.
The company’s owner, Amy Jordan, first made the gut-wrenching announcement, saying ‘it is with an extremely heavy and broken heart I share this news’ to her more than 17 million followers.
The family – mother Jessica and Christian Oliver, 51, with their two daughters, Madita, 12 and Annik, 10
The single-engine aircraft departed J.F. Mitchell Airport en route to the island of St. Lucia when pilot Robert Sachs called on his radio that the plane was having difficulties. Moments later it nosedived into the Caribbean ocean. Reports said the plane went down between the airport and Petit Nevis that is pictured on the map
Jessica, who was in Los Angeles at the time of the tragedy, wrote: ‘We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane accident on January 4, 2024, which took the lives of our beloved family members.’
‘Our daughters, Madita (12), and Annik (10), along with their father Christian, were returning from a holiday in the Caribbean when the single-engine plane they were traveling in experienced engine trouble and fell into the ocean.
‘Unfortunately, all four passengers on the small aircraft did not survive.’
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Jessica memorialized each of her children in the social media post as the family asked for privacy during this unimaginable and painful time.
‘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.
‘The deep bond, infectious laughter, and adventurous spirit shared by Madita and Annik will be profoundly missed in their communities.
‘Their devoted mother, Jessica, 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 lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe was set up to help Jessica and her extended family during this harrowing time.
‘Your donations will help cover the cost of returning Christian and the girls home, funeral and memorial services, legal expenses,’ Sarah Silverman, the organizer’s fundraiser wrote, in part.
As of Monday, more than $162,248, the original goal of the page was $100,000.