Songwriter Brett James among 3 killed in small plane crash in North Carolina

Songwriter Brett James, who is credited with writing or co-writing hundreds of songs — including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” — is thought to be one of three people killed in small plane crash in North Carolina, according to multiple people close to him.

A Cirrus SR22T crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, around 3 p.m. local time on Thursday, according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Three people were on board the plane when it crashed, officials confirmed. Nobody who was on board survived.

The Macon County Sheriff’s Office told ABC News’ Asheville affiliate station WLOS that the crash happened on a property adjacent to the Iotla Valley Elementary School, but that students and staff at the school have all been reported safe.

For more than 20 years, James, 57, had been known primarily as a songwriter for other country and pop music artists, including Carrie Underwood, whose hit song, “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” won Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

James — who was born in Columbia, Missouri, in 1968 — has also written songs for many other artists, including Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean.

Officials say they are still trying to figure out what caused the plane crash.

“The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate,” the FAA said. “The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates.”