MAINE PLANE CRASH, The six people killed in a fiery plane crash in Maine were traveling to France’s Champagne region to scout a future luxury destination for high-net-worth clients when their small jet flipped on the runway during takeoff.
The victims included an acclaimed chef, a sommelier, and an event planner working for Tara Arnold, 46, a Houston lawyer-turned-entrepreneur and philanthropist. Police confirmed the death of Arnold and three of the others on Tuesday.
The group was flying from Houston to France with a planned stop in Bangor to refuel when the Bombardier Challenger 600 crashed during a snowstorm on Jan. 25 and burst into flames.
Authorities confirmed the deaths of sommelier Shelby Kuyawa, 34, of Hawaii, along with pilots Jacob Hosmer, 47, of Pearland, Texas, and Jorden Reidel, 33, of Texas. Two other victims identified earlier were event planner Shawna Collins, 53, of Houston, and chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43, of Hawaii.
Arnold had launched a concierge travel service called Beyond, designed for travelers seeking luxury experiences at exclusive destinations such as Turks & Caicos and Telluride, Colorado, with nightly stays ranging from $15,000 to $30,000.
A Louisiana native, Arnold began her career in mergers and acquisitions, later representing offshore accident victims. She was married with two young children, and her husband, Kurt, co-founded the personal injury firm Arnold & Itkin.
The couple and business partners had also made a $40 million pledge to the University of Texas in 2024, earning recognition atop the school’s football stadium scoreboard.
Mastrascusa, an executive chef on Hawaii’s Big Island, had overseen restaurants at The Four Seasons and other resorts. He was a married father of three and was remembered by family as someone who embraced life through food, connection, and shared experiences.
Mastrascusa reportedly told his father he was traveling to France for a new job opportunity involving plans to locate a property for a future hotel.
Kuyawa, a master sommelier, had grown up partly in Europe and Asia, inspiring a career in hospitality. She worked at high-end properties in Hawaii and Colorado and was known for her passion for storytelling through food and wine.
Collins, a longtime employee of Lakewood Church in Houston, was remembered as a creative event planner who organized major celebrations for both the law firm and Arnold’s family. Friends said she deeply valued community and was looking forward to her daughter’s wedding this year.
Hosmer, who joined Arnold & Itkin as captain of their flight crew in May, was described by loved ones as a kind and joyful presence. He was married with two sons and was remembered for his warmth and generosity.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Experts say the National Transportation Safety Board will examine weather conditions, including possible ice accumulation on the wings, while considering all contributing factors.
