A top Hawaiian chef and dad of three young children has been identified as one of the six occupants killed when a private jet crashed and burst into flames in Maine on Sunday, according to his family.
Nick Mastrascusa, now the fourth known victim of the crash, was on board the Bombardier Challenger 600 owned by the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin law firm when it flipped over 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 to support the chef’s family said.
“He leaves behind his dearest Natalia and their three children: Analani (9th grade), Mateo (5th grade), and Noah (2nd grade),” the statement said.
Mastrascusa was the executive vice president of hospitality for a luxury travel company, “Beyond,” founded by powerhouse lawyers Kurt Arnold and his wife, Tara Arnold.
Tara also died in Sunday’s doomed plane crash.
The company described him as an “award-winning chef and sommelier,” who has worked in some of the world’s most celebrated luxury hotels, private clubs, and resorts over the last two decades.
Most recently, he took on the title of executive chef and director of food and beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūkiʻo Golf and Beach Club on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, overseeing three restaurants and an exclusive wine program.
He attended Johnson & Wales University in Miami and later studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, focusing his career on luxury hospitality.
The GoFundMe, which described Mastrascusa as “a parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana,” has raised over $117,000 of its $200,000 goal to support his family’s needs.
Tara Arnold, 46, pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, and event planner Shawna Collins have been identified as the others killed after the Paris-bound private jet from Houston crashed after stopping to refuel in Maine amid a powerful snowstorm. Two others have yet to be identified.
Kurt Arnold and his business partner, Jason Itkin, were not on the plane when it crashed, sources told ABC 13.
The jet, which can seat up to 11 people, crashed back onto the runway and exploded after taking off on the snowy runway, killing everyone on board, officials said.
A moment before takeoff, an eerie voice was heard over the flight’s radio communications saying, “Let there be light,” although it’s unclear what that meant.
“All traffic is stopped on the field!” an air traffic controller then shouted.
“Aircraft upside down, we have a passenger aircraft upside down,” a controller added as emergency crews rushed to the wreck.
Officials worked to identify the remains as NTSB probers arrived on the scene on Tuesday.
