When the private jet carrying her husband and two sons crashed in Colorado in November 2004, actress Susan Saint James faced every parent's worst nightmare. Her youngest son, fourteen-year-old Teddy, didn't survive the disaster. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the television industry and fundamentally altered the life of the beloved star, who had stepped away from acting years prior to focus on motherhood.
While clickbait headlines sensationalize the final moments of the flight, the true story centers on endurance, family resilience, and how Susan Saint James navigated an impossible grief without losing her characteristic warmth. We're looking past the rumors to examine what actually happened, how the family coped, and the lasting legacy of a mother who put everyone else first even in her darkest hour.
The 2004 Colorado Plane Crash: What Happened
On November 28, 2004, a chartered jet carrying television executive Dick Ebersol, their son Charlie, and fourteen-year-old Teddy attempted to take off from Montrose, Colorado, during a heavy snowstorm. The plane failed to gain altitude, skidded off the runway, and burst into flames.
The pilot and a flight attendant tragically lost their lives alongside young Teddy. Dick Ebersol suffered severe injuries, including a cracked sternum, while their older son Charlie managed to escape the burning wreckage and pull his father to safety. Charlie later spoke about the violent nature of those terrifying seconds, carrying lifelong emotional scars from wishing he could have pulled his younger brother out as well.
Susan Saint James and Teddy: A Special Mother-Son Bond
Before the accident, Susan Saint James built her life around her children. After stepping away from her hit sitcoms like Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, she embraced full-time motherhood. Because her older children had already left for college and her husband managed demanding television schedules, Teddy became her daily companion.
In a school assignment written shortly before his death, Teddy described his mother as his best friend in the world. Saint James often echoed this sentiment, noting that they spent almost all their time together. That close bond made the sudden loss excruciating, yet she chose not to let bitterness define her remaining years.
The Family's Extraordinary Response to Grief
In the weeks following the crash, Saint James demonstrated remarkable selflessness. Rather than retreating into isolation, she delivered Teddy's eulogy as a comforting message directed to her surviving family members to help them heal. Just days after the disaster, she appeared on television alongside NBC journalist Tim Russert to thank well-wishers and reassure the public that her family would find a way forward.
Her children later recalled that she never became "mad-sad." She acknowledged the right to feel profound sorrow, but she actively rejected resentment. This emotional clarity helped hold the family together as Dick and Charlie recovered from their physical and psychological wounds.
Life After Tragedy: Honoring Teddy's Memory
Saint James dedicated much of her later life to community advocacy, supporting organizations like the Special Olympics, a cause she championed for decades. Her ability to connect with strangers remained a hallmark of her personality right up until her passing at age eighty from pancreatic cancer in October 2026.
Her surviving children and husband kept Teddy's memory alive through family traditions and shared milestones. They often posted tributes during the holidays, ensuring that the young teenager's adventurous spirit remained part of the family narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Teddy Ebersol when he died?
Teddy Ebersol was fourteen years old when he died in the November 2004 plane crash in Colorado.
Who survived the 2004 plane crash?
Dick Ebersol and his son Charlie survived the crash with serious injuries, while the pilot, a flight attendant, and fourteen-year-old Teddy passed away.
How many children did Susan Saint James have?
Susan Saint James had five children in total: Sunshine, Harmony, Charlie, Willie, and Teddy.
What was Susan Saint James known for?
She earned widespread fame as a talented television actress, receiving multiple Emmy nominations for her iconic roles in Kate & Allie alongside Jane Curtin and McMillan & Wife with Rock Hudson.
How did Susan Saint James handle her grief?
She focused on supporting her surviving family members, delivered a healing eulogy, and maintained an outward perspective of gratitude rather than harboring anger or resentment.
