Late Sunday night at Bangor International Airport in Maine, a private business jet bound for Paris flipped over and burst into flames moments after beginning its takeoff roll, killing everyone on board in a crash that has shaken both aviation experts and the tight-knit hospitality community.
Shelby Kuyawa, a 34‑year‑old sommelier known for her deep knowledge of wine and warm personality, was publicly identified Wednesday as the fifth victim of the crash. She was traveling as part of a small professional group on a luxury travel venture when the Bombardier Challenger 600 aircraft lost control and overturned around 7:45 p.m. on January 25.
Kuyawa’s name emerged alongside others who were part of a curated travel experience organized by Beyond, a high‑end trip provider co‑founded by one of the victims. Friends describe her as a passionate hospitality professional whose enthusiasm for wine and travel drew people to her wherever she went.
The other identified victims include chef Nick Mastrascusa, 43, a father of three and executive vice president of hospitality for Beyond; Tara Arnold, 46, an attorney and company leader; Shawna Collins, an event planner; and Jacob Hosmer, the 47‑year‑old pilot. A sixth victim remains publicly unnamed as the family and authorities complete the formal identification process.
Emergency crews battled heavy snow and icy conditions as part of a large winter storm that blanketed the region, complicating rescue efforts and slowing the recovery of the wreckage. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration say the snowy weather has also made it harder to reach and document the crash site, which remains coated in frozen foam and snow even days later.
Officials confirmed that all six aboard the aircraft were killed when it flipped upside down and erupted into flames shortly after leaving the runway. Heavy winter conditions on Sunday night led to significant disruptions in the region, and authorities remain focused on piecing together what exactly went wrong as the jet attempted to depart from Bangor.
The NTSB has recovered the jet’s cockpit voice and flight data recorders and is expected to release a preliminary report within 30 days, though a final determination of cause may take up to two years. Meanwhile, the station’s director says the airport will stay closed through at least the following morning while crews prepare to reopen.
Family and friends of the victims are left grieving, sharing memories of loved ones lost far too soon as the community of Bangor and aviation experts alike await answers.
