Brett James, songwriter of 'Jesus, Take The Wheel,' confirmed dead in plane crash

Brett James, the Grammy-winning writer of "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and scores of other hit country and pop songs, has died in a plane crash, authorities confirmed Friday morning.

Brett James, the Grammy-winning writer of "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and scores of other hit country and pop songs, has died in a plane crash, authorities confirmed Friday morning.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol told NBC News that it was called to a crash near the town of Franklin, Macon County, at 3 p.m. Thursday.

It confirmed three people died: Brett James Cornelius, the artist's full name, as well as Melody Carole and Meryl Maxwell Wilson.

The National Transport Safety Board is investigating the crash.

Pictures from the scene broadcast by local TV stations showed the plane’s tail registration number N218VB — a plane with this registration was owned by Brett Cornelius.