‘Speed Racer’ actor Christian Oliver, 2 young daughters killed in plane crash off Caribbean island

Actor Christian Oliver, best known for his appearances in films like “Speed Racer” and “Valkyrie,” died alongside his two young daughters after their plane crashed into the sea off a Caribbean island this week.

Oliver, whose given name was Christian Klepser, and his children, 10-year-old Madita and 12-year-old Annik, were the only passengers aboard the small single-engine jet when it went down on Thursday, TMZ reported. Its pilot, Robert Sachs, also died in the crash.

Destined for St. Lucia, the aircraft experienced unspecified difficulties and plunged into the ocean shortly after take off from J.F. Mitchell Airport on the Grenadine island of Bequia. According to local reports, the pilot radioed the tower shortly after departure, saying that he was experiencing trouble and was turning around.

It would be the last time anyone heard from those aboard the plane.

The tragedy sparked a desperate search spanning several agencies, including the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, who were also assisted by local fishermen and divers from the area.

All four bodies have since been recovered and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Just days before the tragedy, Oliver shared an image of a sunset beach scene to his Instagram account wishing followers a happy new year “from somewhere in paradise.”

A German-born actor, Oliver has a lengthy list of credits, including television appearances on “Saved by the Bell: New Class” and “The Babysitters Club.” He also appeared in the long-running German TV drama “Alarm für Cobra 11” about a team of highway cops.

According to IMDb, he’s also in two movies that have yet to be released — they are called “Forever Hold Your Peace” and “London Blue.”