Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives, Including Notable Hawaii Chef

A well-known chef from Hawaii, who was also a father of three young children, has been confirmed as one of the six individuals who lost their lives in a private jet crash in Maine. This information was shared by his family.

Nick Masticusa, the fourth victim of the tragedy, was aboard a Bombardier Challenger 600 owned by the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin law firm. The jet overturned and caught fire during its takeoff from Bangor International Airport at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Sunday.

A statement from a GoFundMe campaign dedicated to supporting Masticusa’s family noted, “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 Mastracuzza family and everyone who knew and loved Nick.”

The statement further mentioned that he is survived by his partner Natalia and their three children: Analani, who is in ninth grade, Mateo in the fifth grade, and Noah in second grade.

Masticusa served as the vice president of hospitality at Beyond, a luxury travel company established by Kurt and Tara Arnold.

Tragically, Tara Arnold was also among those who died in the crash.

The company described Masticusa as an “award-winning chef and sommelier” with extensive experience in some of the world’s top luxury hotels, private clubs, and resorts over the last two decades.

Most recently, he was the Executive Chef and Food and Beverage Director at the Kukio Golf and Beach Club on Hawaii’s Big Island, where he managed three restaurants and the wine selection.

He pursued his culinary education at Johnson & Wales University in Miami and later at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, dedicating his career to fine dining.

A GoFundMe initiative has so far raised over $117,000 towards its $200,000 goal to assist his family, describing Masticusa as “a parent, coach, and friend in our ‘ohana.”

Among the other confirmed fatalities were Tara Arnold, 46, pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, and event planner Shauna Collins. The remaining two victims have not yet been identified.

Notably, Kurt Arnold and his business partner Jason Itkin were not on the aircraft at the time of the crash.

Authorities revealed that the plane was carrying up to 11 passengers when it took off from a snowy runway but tragically crashed and exploded, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board.

Just prior to takeoff, an unsettling message was heard over the aircraft’s radio communications: “Let there be light,” although its significance remains unclear.

In the midst of the chaos, an air traffic controller shouted, “All traffic on the field is stopped!”

As emergency personnel rushed to the scene, the controller added, “The plane is upside down, the airliner is upside down.”

As NTSB investigators began their work at the crash site on Tuesday, authorities were focused on identifying the remains.