A Highly Respected Hawaiian Chef And Father Of Three

A highly respected Hawaiian chef and father of three, Nick Mastrascusa, has been identified as the fourth victim of the private jet crash that occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Bangor International Airport in Maine. The Bombardier Challenger 650 business jet crashed and burst into flames during takeoff amid severe winter weather, killing all six people aboard.
The aircraft registered to a Houston address associated with the law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP was en route from Houston to Paris and had landed in Maine to refuel before the second leg of its journey. Around 7:45 p.m. local time, as the jet attempted to take off in snowy conditions, it flipped over, crashed and caught fire, killing everyone on board. Federal aviation authorities and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are examining the wreckage and weather factors as part of the ongoing investigation.
Identity: Nick Mastrascusa a 47-year-old husband and father of three children. Survivors: He is survived by his wife Natalia and their children: Analani (9th grade), Mateo (5th grade), and Noah (2nd grade).
Career: Mastrascusa was a celebrated chef and hospitality leader, known for his work in luxury resorts and exclusive dining venues. At the time of his death, he served as Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage at the Kūki‘o Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Reputation: Family and friends remember him as a parent, coach, and friend in their “‘ohana” (Hawaiian for family) a person beloved for his kindness, generosity and dedication to his community.
A GoFundMe page organized in his memory has raised significant support, reflecting the outpouring of sympathy from people whose lives he touched. Before Mastrascusa’s identification, three other victims were publicly named:

• Tara Arnold, a 46-year-old attorney and executive associated with the firm’s luxury travel business.
• Shawna Collins, a 53-year-old event planner.
• Jacob Hosmer, the 47-year-old pilot of the aircraft.
  Authorities say six people in total four passengers and two crew members died in the crash. Two other victims remain unidentified while investigations continue.
  Federal investigators, including the FAA and the NTSB, are probing potential causes, with weather conditions and runway factors among the areas being examined. Officials have not yet released a final determination, and representatives of Arnold & Itkin LLP have not publicly commented on the crash.
  This tragedy has reverberated across communities from Mastrascusa’s home in Hawaii to colleagues and friends who knew him through his culinary excellence and warm personal connections. The detail that the aircraft crashed during a fueling stop amid a powerful winter storm highlights the risks of corporate aviation operations in extreme weather and has drawn attention to aviation safety protocols and investigations underway.
  Renowned Hawaiian chef Nick Mastrascusa has been confirmed as the fourth fatality of the Bangor, Maine private jet crash. The crash occurred during takeoff in snowy conditions, killing all six aboard. Mastrascusa’s legacy as a chef, community member, father and friend is being honored by family and supporters as investigators continue efforts to determine exactly what led to the fatal accident.