Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning country music songwriter, died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday. The 57-year-old, known for penning iconic hits like “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “When the Sun Goes Down,” was one of three victims in the single-engine aircraft accident.

James, inducted into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame, left an indelible mark on country music with 27 number-one hits on country radio. His work included Carrie Underwood’s Grammy-nominated “Jesus Take the Wheel,” which became a career-defining song, and Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.”

Details about the crash remain scarce as authorities investigate. Dierks Bentley, who collaborated with James on the 2013 hit “I Hold On,” paid tribute, calling him “a total legend” and praising his ability to connect emotionally through music. Bentley noted James refined his songwriting after the loss of his father, highlighting his creative influence.

James’ legacy endures through his contributions to country music’s most celebrated tracks.