🚨 SHOCKING REVELATION: “We need people to understand what really happened.”

For the first time, grieving families break their silence after the Maine private jet crash that claimed six lives—including a devoted mom, a top chef and father of three, and a beloved pilot.

What started as a routine refuel stop in a snowstorm ended in seconds of unimaginable horror.

Friends and loved ones are sharing memories of joy and kindness, while questions linger about that fateful takeoff.

This isn’t just another crash—it’s a call for answers and remembrance. Hold your loved ones tight… 💔❄️✈️

Full story:

Nearly a week after a Paris-bound private jet crashed during takeoff at Bangor International Airport, killing all six people on board, families of the victims are beginning to share their stories and call for clarity. “We need people to understand what really happened,” one family member said in a statement echoed across social media and interviews, as loved ones seek to honor the deceased while grappling with unanswered questions amid an ongoing investigation.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, January 25, 2026, as heavy snow from a powerful winter storm blanketed the region. The Bombardier Challenger 600, registered to an entity linked to Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin, had stopped in Bangor to refuel en route from Texas to France. Witnesses and air traffic control recordings captured the final moments: the jet attempted takeoff around 7:45 p.m., but it veered, flipped inverted, and burst into flames on the runway. Emergency crews responded immediately, but no one survived.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records initially reported the crash under unknown circumstances, with the aircraft coming to rest upside down and catching fire. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) arrived on scene Tuesday to lead the probe, though extreme weather—deep snow covering wreckage and near-zero temperatures—has delayed detailed examination. Airport officials noted another aircraft had aborted takeoff shortly before due to poor visibility and de-icing concerns, raising early questions about weather’s role.

The flight carried four passengers and two crew members. Victims identified by family, friends, and verified sources include:

Tara Arnold, 46, a lawyer and wife of prominent Houston attorney Kurt Arnold, co-founder of Arnold & Itkin. She was traveling with colleagues for business.
Shawna Collins, 53, a longtime event planner associated with Joel Osteen Ministries’ Lakewood Church in Houston. Her daughter confirmed her mother’s excitement about the Europe trip in a final phone call.
Jacob Hosmer, 47, the pilot recently hired by the firm. His father confirmed his death, and friends described him as a “goofy” family man with a constant smile who prioritized safety.
Nick Mastrascusa, a father of three and executive vice president of hospitality for luxury travel company Beyond, founded by Kurt Arnold. His family launched a GoFundMe describing him as a “parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana” (Hawaiian for family), noting the profound loss for his wife and children.

Two additional victims remain publicly unidentified, though reports suggest connections to the luxury travel and legal circles tied to the aircraft’s owners. Firm founders Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin were not aboard.

Families and friends have shared heartfelt tributes. Hosmer’s loved ones highlighted his devotion to family and professional caution, with one friend recounting a habitual text sent in disbelief after hearing news of the crash. Collins’ family remembered her warmth and dedication to creating meaningful events. Mastrascusa’s relatives emphasized his role as a coach and community figure in Hawaii, where he was known for his culinary expertise and generosity.

The phrase “We need people to understand what really happened” has circulated widely on platforms like Facebook, appearing in posts from various accounts amplifying the families’ desire for transparency. While no official cause has been determined, speculation has focused on weather factors—snow accumulation, icing, and low visibility—amid the intensifying storm. Airport Director Jose Saavedra noted the investigation’s challenges due to snow-blanketed evidence, with the facility remaining closed into the week.

This marks a rare fatal private jet incident in recent years, drawing attention to safety protocols in adverse conditions. The NTSB’s preliminary findings, expected in coming weeks or months, will examine black box data, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and environmental conditions. Bangor officials have cooperated fully, emphasizing the storm’s severity and the rapid response.

Community response in Bangor and Houston has been one of solidarity. Memorials, vigils, and fundraisers have emerged to support grieving families. In Houston, friends of the victims have spoken publicly about their memories, underscoring lives filled with purpose and connection. Lakewood Church acknowledged Collins’ contributions, while professional networks mourn the loss of experienced professionals.

As snow melts and recovery efforts continue, the families’ plea resonates: beyond the statistics lies a human story of sudden, irreversible loss. They seek not speculation but facts to bring some measure of closure. The tragedy serves as a reminder of aviation’s risks, even in private travel, and the enduring impact on those left behind.

The NTSB investigation remains active, with updates anticipated as conditions allow. In the meantime, those touched by the victims continue to share stories of kindness, laughter, and love—hoping the truth, when revealed, honors the lives cut short.