Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter with 27 No. 1 songs under his belt, was killed in a plane crash in North Carolina. He was 57.

James was onboard a small-engine plane that went down in Macon County near Franklin around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, according to WLOS . All three people onboard the aircraft died, the outlet said citing the Federal Aviation Administration.

Fellow musicians posted tributes to the late songwriter on social media.

“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight,” country star Jason Aldean wrote in an Instagram post . “I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him. Thoughts and prayers going out to his family.”

“Heartbroken with the news my friend an

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