A Hawaii-based chef was among those killed in a crash involving a private jet chartered by a Houston-based personal injury law firm in Bangor, Maine.
Nick Mastrascusa was aboard the Bombardier Challenger 600 that flipped over and burst into flames Sunday evening while attempting to take off from Bangor International Airport amid a major winter storm, according to a GoFundMe established by his family. The jet, registered to law firm Arnold & Itkin LLP, had stopped in Bangor to refuel after departing Houston and was bound for Paris, France.
Mastrascusa is one of four victims who have been publicly identified. Previously identified were Tara Arnold, a 46-year-old Houston attorney and wife of Arnold & Itkin co-founder Kurt Arnold; Jacob Hosmer, 47, a Houston-area pilot; and Shawna Collins, a Texas-based event planner. Four passengers and two crew members were reportedly on board.
“Nick touched the lives of so many in our community through his kindness, dedication, generosity and friendship,” the GoFundMe reads. “As we grieve this unimaginable loss, our hearts are with the Mastrascusa family and all who knew and loved Nick.”
Investigators say the jet crashed under unknown circumstances shortly after takeoff Sunday night amid snowy, icy conditions from an approaching winter storm, coming to rest upside down and catching fire. The National Transportation Safety Board is examining whether ice buildup contributed; the law firm said none of its partners were aboard and has not identified all passengers.
Mastrascusa was an award-winning chef and sommelier who worked at luxury hotels, resorts and private clubs, according to his professional biography. Most recently, he served as executive chef and director of food and beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūki‘o Golf and Beach Club in Hawaii, overseeing three restaurants and a wine program.
Previously, Mastrascusa trained at Johnson & Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America, launching his career at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla., before rising to executive banquet chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.
Mastrascusa is survived by his wife, Natalia, and three children — Analani, Mateo and Noah. As of Tuesday, the fundraiser had raised more than $125,000 to help support the family’s immediate and long-term needs.
