Authorities in Maine have confirmed the identities of the final two victims of the January 25 plane crash at Bangor International Airport, bringing a measure of closure to grieving families after a tragedy that claimed six lives.
The state’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially identified Shawna Collins, 53, of Texas, and Nick Mastrascusa, 43, of Hawaii as the last two individuals who perished in the accident. With these additions, all six victims from the deadly crash have now been publicly named.
The private Bombardier Challenger 600 jet was attempting to depart Bangor International Airport late on Jan. 25 when it crashed shortly after takeoff during difficult winter weather conditions, including snow and reduced visibility.
The aircraft, which was en route from Houston, Texas, to Paris, had stopped in Bangor to refuel and undergo de‑icing procedures. All six people aboard four passengers and two crew members were killed in the crash; there were no survivors.
Authorities had earlier identified four of the victims: Tara Arnold, 46, and Jacob Hosmer, 47, both of Texas; Shelby Kuyawa, 34, of Hawaii; and Jorden Reidel, 33, of Texas. Those names were released by Bangor police ahead of Thursday’s announcement.
The newly confirmed victims, Collins and Mastrascusa, were among the passengers on the flight. Collins, 53, was a Houston‑based event planner and had been actively involved in the community.
Mastrascusa, 43, was from Hawaii and worked as a chef with connections to the luxury travel company associated with several of the other victims. Families of the victims have described them as talented, generous, and cherished in their respective communities.
The aircraft was reportedly owned by a corporation linked to the Houston‑based law firm Arnold & Itkin though neither of the firm’s founding partners were on board. Several of the passengers were affiliated with the bespoke travel and hospitality industry. The group was believed to be traveling for work related to high‑end travel experiences in Europe.
In the days following the crash, emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to the scene amid snow and icy conditions to secure the wreckage and begin recovery operations.
Bangor International Airport was closed while first responders and investigators worked, and flight operations were temporarily disrupted as a result.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken the lead in investigating the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks, with a full report likely many months away.
Factors under review include weather conditions, aircraft performance, pilot communications, and maintenance records. Authorities have urged patience as the technical investigation continues, noting that such inquiries are detailed and methodical.
In the wake of the tragedy, memorials and tributes have emerged in the victims’ hometowns, with friends, family, and colleagues honoring their lives and contributions. Community leaders have expressed deep sorrow at the loss of six individuals whose deaths have reverberated across states and abroad.
As families and loved ones mourn, the broader aviation community awaits further insights into what led to the crash and how similar disasters might be prevented in the future.
