Top Lawyer Identified Among Six Victims as Heartbreaking Details Emerge
Bangor, Maine — Grief and disbelief have spread across communities from Houston, Texas to Hawaii and beyond after a private jet bound for France crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport, killing all six people aboard on the night of January 25, 2026. Among the victims was a well‑known Houston lawyer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur whose promising life and career were cut tragically short.
The Crash: What Happened on January 25
On January 25, 2026, a private Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet attempted to take off from Bangor International Airport during deteriorating winter conditions caused by a severe snowstorm. Eyewitness accounts and preliminary reports indicate the aircraft flipped over and burst into flames, leaving no survivors among the four passengers and two flight crew members aboard.
The jet belonged to a corporation registered at the same Houston address as the Arnold & Itkin law firm, a prominent personal‑injury legal practice. Authorities said the group was en route to Paris‑Vatry Airport in France as part of a business trip. The jet had stopped in Bangor for fuel and de‑icing services.
Federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), have opened an investigation into the crash. While no official cause has yet been determined, early agency commentary has focused on the challenging winter weather conditions at the time of takeoff.
Identifying the Victims: Six Lives Lost
Authorities and families have now publicly confirmed the identities of all six victims. The crash claimed the lives of four passengers and two aviation professionals—each with their own stories, families, and communities mourning their sudden loss.
1. Tara Arnold, 46 — Lawyer, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
The most widely reported figure among the victims was Tara Arnold, a respected lawyer from Houston, Texas. Arnold, 46, worked at the Arnold & Itkin law firm—a leading personal‑injury practice co‑founded by her husband, Kurt Arnold. Beyond her legal career, she had recently co‑founded a luxury concierge travel company called Beyond (often referred to as Beyond Luxury), focusing on high‑end travel experiences for affluent clients.
Family members described her as a passionate, dedicated professional who balanced her demanding career with love for her family—including her husband and their two young children. Friends praised her generosity and leadership within and outside the courtroom.
2. Jacob Hosmer, 47 — Pilot and Aviation Professional
Jacob Hosmer, 47, from Pearland, Texas, was the aircraft’s captain. A seasoned pilot with a passion for aviation, Hosmer had served as the leader of the flight crew and was deeply respected by colleagues and friends. He had joined the Arnold & Itkin organization in May 2025 and was known for his bright personality and love of activities like pickleball.
Pilots like Hosmer are often the unsung professionals entrusted with their passengers’ safety, and his loss represents not only a personal tragedy for his family but a professional void felt by the aviation community that knew him.
3. Jorden Reidel, 33 — Co‑Pilot and Devoted Family Man
Jorden Reidel, 33, also from Texas, was the co‑pilot. Described by friends and relatives as a devoted father and passionate aviator, Reidel earned his pilot’s license as a teenager and built a promising career in the skies. He had recently welcomed a daughter with his wife in 2024 and was looking forward to a future filled with both family and flight.
Reidel’s youthful energy and dedication to his craft made him well‑liked among peers. His untimely death has devastated his immediate family, who remembered him for his warmth, love of adventure, and skill as a pilot.
Among the passengers was Shelby Kuyawa, 34, a highly trained sommelier originally from Hawaii. Kuyawa’s passion for wine and cuisine led her to pursue a distinguished career in hospitality, with work at prestigious venues in Hawaii and Colorado. Her expertise in food and wine made her an integral part of the travel experience venture associated with Arnold’s Beyond concierge service.
Colleagues say Kuyawa was beloved for her ability to tell stories through wine and connect with people from around the world—skills that made her both a consummate professional and a cherished friend.
5. Nick Mastrascusa, 43 — Chef and Family Man
The crash also claimed the life of Nick Mastrascusa, 43, an executive chef from Hawaii and a father of three. Mastrascusa’s culinary talents were renowned, with experience at luxury resorts and gastronomic hotspots. He served as the executive vice president of hospitality for Beyond, helping design memorable experiences for traveling clients.
Mastrascusa’s family described him as someone who lived life fully—sharing his passions for nature, soccer, and culinary art with his children and those around him. His family’s grief has been compounded by the loss of a cherished father and husband.
6. Shawna Collins, 53 — Event Planner and Community Member
Shawna Collins, 53, rounded out the six victims. A long‑time event planner from Houston, Collins had worked with the Arnold family and Beyond. She was especially known for her vibrant personality and the joy she brought to celebrations—from corporate events to personal milestones.
Representatives from Lakewood Church, where Collins was a staff member, described her as someone whose presence lit up rooms and whose enthusiasm was contagious. Her loss has been keenly felt by colleagues and congregants alike.
The Purpose of the Flight: Beyond Luxury Travel
Investigators and family members have shed light on the purpose of the ill‑fated flight. The group was flying from Houston to France’s Champagne region, where the Beyond travel company was scouting potential luxury destinations for high‑net‑worth clients. Beyond specialized in curated, high‑end experiences—often involving stays at exclusive resorts costing tens of thousands of dollars per night.
Arnold’s vision for the company had grown from her legal career into a passion project that combined hospitality, luxury travel, and bespoke service. The team aboard the jet represented a blend of expertise—law, culinary arts, hospitality, and event planning—all crucial to the concept’s success.
Tragically, that vision will now never be fully realized.
Weather, Investigation, and Early Theories
Although the investigation is still in its early stages, weather conditions at Bangor International Airport on the night of the crash have drawn attention. Snow, freezing fog, and limited visibility compounded the challenges of departing in a large business jet. Local meteorologists noted heavy snowfall rates and bitter cold conditions that reduce aircraft performance and create hazards like wing icing.
While the FAA and NTSB have not issued definitive statements on the cause, federal investigators routinely analyze flight data, weather conditions, pilot actions, and mechanical factors to determine the probable cause of crashes. Icing conditions and winter weather operations are known risk factors for aircraft performance during takeoff.
Community Impact and Tributes
The crash has reverberated across multiple communities—from Houston’s legal and philanthropic circles to Hawaii’s hospitality sector and Maine’s own emergency responders.
In Houston, tributes poured in for Tara Arnold, whose legacy spanned both professional achievement and personal kindness. Officials and acquaintances lauded her dedication to her clients, her creativity as an entrepreneur, and her deep involvement in civic life.
Similarly, the families of the victims shared memories of loved ones who lived with passion and purpose. Reidel’s family spoke of their pride in his aviation career, Kuyawa’s colleagues celebrated her mastery of wine and culture, and Mastrascusa’s relatives highlighted his role as a devoted father.
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