‘Speed Racer,’ ‘Saved by the Bell: The New Class’ Star Christian Oliver Dies in Plane Crash, Say Local Authorities
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Christian Oliver, a German-born actor known for roles in Speed Racer, Hunters, The Good German and Saved by the Bell: The New Class, is believed to be dead after a private aircraft carrying him and his two daughters crashed into the Caribbean Sea on Thursday.
Four bodies were recovered by the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, including that of the actor — who was identified as Christian Klepser — and his daughters, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12. The 51-year-old actor and his children were found along with, authorities believe, the owner and pilot of the aircraft.
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“The RSVGPF expresses condolences to all who are negatively affected by this tragic incident,” the local PD said in a statement on social media. “The RSVGPF will update the public as more information is gathered. Investigation into the matter continues.”
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Oliver’s reps for comment.
According to the local authorities, the aircraft flew out of the J.F. Mitchell Airport in Paget Farm around noon, heading for St. Lucia. But shortly after takeoff, the aircraft “experienced difficulties and plummeted into the ocean.”
Fishermen and divers from Paget Farm were reportedly among the first to respond to the scene in their boats in hopes of rendering assistance. The SVG Coast Guard was informed and traveled to Paget Farm, Bequia, to support rescue efforts.
The local police department clarified Friday that the bodies were first recovered from the aircraft wreckage by local divers before being handed over to Coast Guard personnel. They were then transported to St. Vincent and taken to the Kingstown Mortuary.
Post-mortem examinations are expected to be carried out.
Oliver’s many credits range from big-screen performances in Valkyrie and The Baby-Sitters Club to a turn on the TV series Sense8, among others.
He appeared to have completed filming his role in the upcoming movie thriller Forever Hold Your Peace, directed by Nick Lyon and co-starring Bai Ling, who took to Instagram after news of his death to say, “I just could not believe it is the truth, the last we worked filming in #hollywood was December 20th 2023, just right before Christmas.”
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