“He Kissed the Kids Goodbye and Promised to Call.” The Wife and Children of Maine Plane Crash Victim Nick Mastrascusa Finally Speak — and What They Shared Is Heartbreaking
A fourth victim in the January private plane crash in Maine has been identified.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said a Bombardier Challenger 650 crashed during takeoff at about 7:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Bangor International Airport.
In an updated accident notice, the agency said six people died in the incident, including four passengers and two members of the flight crew. No one survived.
The identities of three victims were previously made public. On Jan. 27, Nick Mastrascusa was identified by his wife as the fourth victim in the crash, according to ABC 13.
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Mastrascusa is survived by his wife and their three children, his family said in a verified GoFundMe fundraiser. “We are heartbroken to share the tragic news of the loss of Nick Mastrascusa, a parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana,” his relatives wrote, referring to the Hawaiian word for “family.”
Mastrascusa was a chef who worked in some of the “world’s most exclusive restaurants and resorts,” per ABC13.
“Nick touched the lives of so many in our community through his kindness, dedication, generosity and friendship,” Mastrascusa’s family wrote. “As we grieve this unimaginable loss, our hearts are with the Mastrascusa family and all who knew and loved Nick.”
The GoFundMe has already raised over $100,000 of its $110,000 goal as of publication time.
“Please join us in holding the Mastrascusa family in your thoughts and hearts, and consider making a contribution to help them through this challenging time,” the fundraiser reads. “Your support will make a meaningful difference as we surround this family with love and hope.”
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Jacob Hosmer, a 47-year-old Houston-area pilot, was previously identified as the captain of the flight, according to NBC affiliate KPRC, citing his father.
The plane he was flying was registered to a company with a Houston address shared with the personal injury law firm Arnold & Itkin, Reuters previously reported. Hosmer had Houston-based injury law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP listed as his employer on LinkedIn.
Though the firm’s founders, Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin, reportedly were not on the aircraft, ABC affiliate KTRK said Kurt’s wife, attorney Tara Arnold, was among the victims, citing sources.
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of the family, described Tara to the outlet as “a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.”
“My heart is with Kurt, their children, and everyone affected,” Briones said at the time.
Event planner Shawna Collins’s daughter said her mom was also on board the aircraft, according to her daughter, per the outlet. The mom reportedly spoke to her daughter just before the flight, and was heading to Europe on a business trip.