A celebrated Hawaiian chef and devoted father of three young children was among the six people killed when a private jet crashed and erupted in flames in Maine on Sunday, his family confirmed.
Nick Mastrascusa, identified as the fourth victim of the deadly crash, was aboard a Bombardier Challenger 600 owned by the Houston-based law firm Arnold & Itkin when the jet flipped and burst into flames during takeoff from Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. Sunday.
"Nick touched the lives of so many in our community through his kindness, dedication, generosity, and friendship. As we grieve this unimaginable loss, our hearts are with the Mastrascusa family, and all who knew and loved Nick," a statement on a GoFundMe page created to support the chef’s family said.
Nick Mastrascusa served as executive vice president of hospitality at Beyond, a luxury travel company founded by Kurt and Tara Arnold. Four Seasons Resort HualÄlai
“He leaves behind his dearest Natalia and their three children: Analani (9th grade), Mateo (5th grade), and Noah (2nd grade),” the statement said.
Mastrascusa served as executive vice president of hospitality at Beyond, a luxury travel company founded by powerhouse attorneys Kurt Arnold and his wife, Tara Arnold.
Tara was also among those killed in Sunday’s fatal plane crash.
The company described him as an award-winning chef and sommelier who spent the past two decades working at some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels, private clubs, and resorts.
Most recently, he served as executive chef and director of food and beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūkiʻo Golf and Beach Club on Hawaiʻi’s Big Island, overseeing three restaurants and curating an exclusive wine program.
Mastrascusa is survived by his beloved wife, Natalia, and their three young children. GoFundMe
Nick Mastrascusa was fondly remembered for his kindness, dedication, generosity, and friendship. GoFundMe
He studied at Johnson & Wales University in Miami before continuing his culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, building a career dedicated to luxury hospitality.
The GoFundMe, which honored Mastrascusa as “a parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana,” has already raised over $117,000 toward its $200,000 goal to support his family.
Tara Arnold, 46; pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47; and event planner Shawna Collins have been identified as the other victims of the Paris-bound private jet from Houston, which crashed in Maine during a refueling stop amid a powerful snowstorm.
Two victims have not yet been identified.
Tara Arnold, 46; pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47; and event planner Shawna Collins have been identified as the other victims killed when the private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport. @Turbinetraveler/X
Sources told ABC 13 that Kurt Arnold and his business partner, Jason Itkin, were not aboard the plane when it crashed.
Officials said the jet, which can seat up to 11 people, crashed back onto the snowy runway and exploded shortly after takeoff, killing everyone on board.
Moments before takeoff, an eerie voice was heard over the flight’s radio saying, “Let there be light,” though its meaning remains unclear.
"All traffic is stopped on the field!" an air traffic controller shouted.
"Aircraft upside down, we have a passenger aircraft upside down," a controller reported as emergency crews rushed to the wreckage.
Officials worked to identify the remains as NTSB investigators arrived at the scene Tuesday.
