Jessica Klepser has opened up about the heartbreaking plane crash that claimed the lives of her two daughters, Madita, 12, and Annik, 10, along with their father, actor Christian Oliver, in January.
Speaking on Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler’s MeSsy podcast, Klepser shared the details of the tragedy that befell her family and reflected on how she learned about the devastating event. She also discussed how she feels their presence continues to give her strength.
Recalling the day, Klepser explained how she had driven her ex-husband and daughters to the airport after they spent Christmas Eve together. The three were set to depart for a vacation in the Caribbean to celebrate a close friend’s birthday.
Recalling the day of the tragedy, Klepser shares the moments leading up to the crash that took her family away
However, on January 4, as they left the island, their small plane crashed into the water shortly after takeoff due to what she believed was an engine issue. Her daughters, their father, and the pilot did not survive.
Although she vaguely remembers receiving the phone call about the crash, the moment remains hazy in her mind. She finds it difficult to know how to react when people tell her she is strong, admitting that while many see her that way, strength, to her, means allowing herself to grieve fully.
She also reflected on her pregnancies, noting how the strength her daughters gave her enabled her to have home births with both. That same strength, Klepser said, continues to guide her even now, as she believes they are still providing her with support from where they are.
Part of her healing, Klepser shared, involves letting herself fully experience her emotions, something she once struggled with. Before the tragedy, she believed strength meant pushing through pain. Now, she has learned that true strength lies in vulnerability, allowing herself to seek help and lean on those around her when needed.
The loss has reshaped Klepser’s life entirely. She spoke about how even small aspects of her routine, like Fridays that used to be her favorite day of the week, have changed. What was once a joyful time spent with her daughters is now a painful reminder of their absence, leaving her with a new heart and an altered identity.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Klepser has found occasional moments of joy, though she has faced criticism online for sharing these positive experiences. She firmly defended her right to express happiness and speak about her daughters, regardless of judgment from strangers.
Klepser also revealed that she could have been on the ill-fated flight, and the fact that she wasn’t leads her to believe there is a reason she is still here. Though she wasn’t spiritual before, she feels her daughters’ presence guiding her, and she is determined to make them proud by living her life in a way that honors them.
She finds comfort in knowing her daughters are with their father, Christian, and continues to feel their presence, especially when she most needs them.
