Tara Arnold, wife of prominent Texas law firm founder, among first victims of Maine plane crash

BANGOR, MAINE: A private jet crashed at Bangor International Airport on Sunday January 25, resulting in the tragic deaths of six people aboard, including a prominent Houston lawyer and wife of a Texas law‑firm founder. 

The aircraft identified as Bombardier Challenger 600 flipped during takeoff amid heavy winter weather. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident as the aviation community and legal circles mourn those lost.

Tara Arnold among the first victims identified in Maine crash

Among the first victims identified was Tara Arnold, a 46‑year‑old attorney and senior lawyer at Arnold & Itkin, a prominent Houston personal‑injury law firm. She was the wife of co‑founder Kurt Arnold, and was traveling on the flight when it flipped and erupted in flames during takeoff.

On Monday, local Texas lawmaker Lesley Briones praised Tara but noted that she did not have firsthand confirmation of her death in the plane crash. “I am close friends with Kurt and Tara Arnold,” Briones reportedly said.

She continued, “She was a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service.” The aircraft was registered to the law firm, and sources told ABC 13 that neither Kurt Arnold nor his business partner, Jason Itkin, were on board when the crash occurred.

Arnold and his law partner, Itkin, along with their wives, were known for making multimillion-dollar contributions to Republican causes in Texas, as well as supporting initiatives like the Texas Longhorns football program, to which they pledged $40 million.

Tara worked at the firm, focusing on offshore workplace injury cases after graduating with high honors from Tulane Law School. Arnold & Itkin Law has not issued a public statement regarding the tragedy.

The circumstances of the crash occurring amid challenging winter weather and during a key moment on takeoff have raised questions about potential contributing factors such as de‑icing procedures, though officials have not yet drawn conclusions. 

Other victims identified in fatal jet crash

The identities of the other four passengers have not yet been publicly released. The plane, had landed earlier in Bangor after departing from Houston and was refueling before attempting to continue its journey.

Reports indicate the jet was headed for Paris when the crash occurred. A chilling radio transmission “Let there be light” was captured in the moments before the crash, though its significance remains unclear.

Immediately afterward, communications recorded an air‑traffic controller shouting that the aircraft was upside down, and emergency responders rushed to the scene as the jet burned.

Also among those who died was Jacob Hosmer, a 47‑year‑old Houston-area pilot who had joined the firm’s aviation operations in May 2025. His father confirmed his son’s death to KPRC2, describing him as a loving husband and father, and added, “He’s in Heaven now with Jesus.”

According to his LinkedIn profile, he previously worked with Wing Aviation, Apollo Aviation, and Priester Aviation, all companies known for operating private charter jets.

ABC 13 also identified a third victim as event planner Shawna Collins. Her daughter confirmed her mother’s death and said the passengers were traveling to Europe for a business trip.