First pictures of victims killed in private jet crash who were on ‘girls’ trip’

Published 1 hour ago
Source: metro.co.uk
Headshots of Tara Arnold (left) and Shawna Collins.
Tara Arnold (left) and Shawna Collins were both on their way to France (Picture: Arnold & Itkin Law/Instagram)

Three of the people who were on board a private jet that flipped over and burst into flames have been named.

The Paris-bound aircraft crashed after departing Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday evening during a winter storm.

Among those on board the Bombardier Challenger 600 was commercial lawyer Tara Arnold, 46.

Tara, who lived with her children in Houston, was reportedly on her way to the French capital to enjoy a holiday with friends.

The plane was registered to her husband’s law firm, Arnold & Itkin Law, where she also worked.

Sources told ABC 13 that her husband, personal injury lawyer Kurt Arnold, was not on board the downed craft.

Kurt and Tara reside in Houston, Texas with their son Jaxon and daughter Isla. They are members of the Saint Paul?s United Methodist Church.Kurt, a native Texan, was driven to be successful at a young age. He set his sights on the University of Texas, earning his undergraduate degree at just 19 years old and three years later obtaining his law degree from the University of Texas Law School. At the age of 25, Kurt founded Arnold & Itkin with his friend Jason Itkin. In the subsequent years, they built a thriving, record-setting civil trial practice. Kurt is proud of the fact that he?s been instrumental in helping thousands of families rebuild their lives and take care of their families in the wake of disasters.
Kurt and Tara reside in Houston, Texas, with their son and daughter
Tara Arnold Attorney Tara grew up in a small town in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, where her passion for the law began. Inspired by her experience working at a local personal injury law firm and by her mother?s advocacy on behalf of crime victims, she knew at a young age that she wanted to be a lawyer. Now, she?s proud to be the difference-maker that clients facing significant challenges need.
Tara grew up in a small town in Sabine Parish, Louisiana

Texas politician Lesley Briones said of Tara: ‘She is a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.’

The jet’s pilot, Jacob Hosmer, was also killed in the crash.

His father, Gary, told KPRC2: ‘He is in Heaven now with Jesus.’

A friend added: ‘I would describe him as a great pilot, a loving husband, and a phenomenal father.

‘He was always kind. He was always laughing.’

Shawna Collins, an event planner, has been identified as another passenger on the jet.

Jacob Hosmer, pilot 15496999 Bangor plane crash IDs
Jacob Hosmer was an experienced pilot (Picture: LinkedIn)
Shawna Collins 15496999 Bangor plane crash IDs
Shawna Collins was one of four passengers on the flight (Picture: Instagram/Shawna Collins)
This image taken from video provided by WABI television, emergency cervices work on a scene of the Bombardier Challenger 600 crash at the Bangor Airport in Maine, late Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (WABI via AP)
Visibility was poor at Bangor International Airport at the time of the crash (Picture: AP)

She was on her way to Europe for a business trip.

The Federal Aviation Administration initially said eight people were on board, though manifests revealed it was four passengers and two crew.

The cause of the crash is unclear, according to airport bosses.

The airport will be closed until at least tomorrow, with a Facebook post saying: ‘This will impact flights. Please monitor your email/text messages for communications from your airline.

‘All changes to travel plans will be communicated from the airlines directly to passengers.’

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