'Saved by the Bell,' 'Speed Racer' actor Christian Oliver killed in plane crash with 2 daughters

Christian Oliver, an actor known for roles in the 2008 film "Speed Racer" and "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," was killed Thursday in a plane crash with his young daughters. He was 51.

The German-born actor, born Christian Klesper, died in the reported crash, according to officials with the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force in a statement posted on Facebook, as one of four victims, including his two daughters — Madita Klepser, 10, and Annik Klepser, 12 — and a pilot, Robert Sachs.

The plane left a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines airport Thursday afternoon and set out for St. Lucia, police say.

"Moments after taking off, the aircraft experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean," read the statement. Divers and fishermen from the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines island of Bequia "went to the scene of the incident in their boats to render assistance" as the local coast guard headed to the area.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused the crash, according to police.

"The selfless and brave acts of the fishermen and divers is very much appreciated," police said.

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Oliver.

Oliver was previously married to Jessica Klesper. A representative for Klesper's employer, WundaBar Pilates, issued a statement Friday.

"I am blessed to have had Madita and Annik in our lives for many years, and cherish the memories of pool parties, sleepovers, school performances and Disneyland trips to hold in my heart," founder Amy Jordan said in an email. "My focus at this time will be on supporting Jessica and my daughter who was Annik's best friend."

A statement from Oliver's family was also provided, sharing the family was "deeply saddened" by the crash and remembering Madita for her "lively spirit" and Annik for her "gentle yet strong demeanor."

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

Oliver had dozens of credited film and television roles, including in 2008 action flick "Speed Racer," 1995's "The Baby-Sitters Club" and "The Good German," a 2006 World War II film by Stephen Soderbergh that starred George Clooney and Cate Blanchett.

He appeared throughout Season 2 of the 1990s series "Saved by the Bell: The New Class," playing a Swiss transfer student named Brian Keller.

Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY; The Associated Press

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Christian Oliver dead: 'Speed Racer' actor, kids killed in plane crash