NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Tributes are pouring out for a beloved songwriter who was among three killed in a plane crash on Thursday.

Nashville songwriter Brett Cornelius, who goes by Brett James and wrote songs like ‘When the Sun Goes Down,’ died after a small plane flying from Nashville crashed in North Carolina.

He was 57 years old. James also co-wrote “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which was made famous by Carrie Underwood, and “I Hold On,” a song for Dierks Bentley.

Bentley posted about James’ death, calling the songwriter a “total legend.”

Rest in peace pal. Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town….total legend. I brought... Posted by Dierks Bentley on Thursday, September 18, 2025

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