Football analyst Kirk Herbstreit announced the death of his close friend, Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, in a plane crash. James, 57, was killed alongside his girlfriend and her daughter in North Carolina. James penned hit songs for artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. Herbstreit learned of the tragedy while broadcasting a game and expressed his grief on social media, remembering James' talent and humility. The crash is under investigation.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.