Local News
Video Capture Moments Plane Crashes in Boca Raton, Victims Identified
Authorities have released the identities of the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash near the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, April 11.
According to the Boca Raton Police Services Department, the victims were members of the same family:
- Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton
- Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach
- Brooke Stark, 17, of Delray Beach
All three were on board the ill-fated aircraft when it went down shortly after takeoff.
The sole individual injured on the ground, Pablo Tafur, 24, was identified as the driver of a Toyota that was struck during the crash.
His injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
The crash, which occurred around 10:12 a.m., sent a fireball and heavy plumes of smoke into the air, visible from surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Graphic video footage from the scene showed the wreckage engulfed in flames, with bodies visible near the debris.
The aircraft involved was a Cessna 310R, tail number N8930N, built in 1977 and registered to REPROP LLC, a company based in Wilmington, Delaware.
The plane had departed Boca Raton en route to Tallahassee and had been airborne for approximately 8 to 10 minutes before it crashed near the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, close to Florida Atlantic University and a busy commercial area.
During a Friday evening press briefing, Kurt Gibson, an aviation accident investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), stated that a full investigation is underway.
“We’ll be looking into three primary areas: the pilot, including their qualifications and recent history; the aircraft’s maintenance and records; and environmental conditions at the time of the crash,” Gibson explained.
Data from FlightAware showed the plane performed several circular maneuvers before impact, indicating the pilot may have been experiencing difficulties.
The aircraft will be moved to a salvage facility for further inspection.
The NTSB confirmed that a preliminary report will be released within 30 days, while the final report could take 12 to 24 months to complete. The crash has prompted closures in the area, including a portion of North Military Trail and nearby train tracks.
Authorities are urging residents and commuters to avoid the area until further notice.
This tragic incident marks a somber moment for the Boca Raton community as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the crash and bring closure to the families affected.
The family of Matt Sweets has confirmed his passing after a valiant fight for life in the intensive care unit, where he was being treated for critical burn injuries sustained in the UPS Flight 2976 plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
In a heartfelt statement, Matt’s sister Michelle Sweets expressed deep gratitude for the community’s compassion and support:
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kind words and well wishes to me and my family regarding my brother, Matt Sweets. It is with the heaviest heart that I share he passed away this afternoon after fighting his hardest in the ICU. The outpouring of love and concern from our community has been truly touching. We’ll share information about arrangements in the next day or two. For now, please keep his girlfriend, Brooke, and his two young children in your prayers, as well as the rest of our family.”
Matt was among those severely injured in the November 4, 2025, crash when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft plummeted shortly after takeoff, erupting into a massive fireball that engulfed several buildings near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
The disaster claimed at least 13 lives, including the three UPS crew members onboard, while 16 individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.
According to relatives, Matt initially survived the impact but suffered third-degree burns covering approximately 95% of his body.
Despite undergoing intensive treatment and multiple surgeries, his injuries proved too severe.
Before his passing, friends and family launched a community fundraiser to support Brooke Murray, Matt’s longtime partner, and their two young children.
The campaign aimed to alleviate financial burdens caused by mounting medical costs and loss of household income while Matt remained hospitalized.
“Matt is a fighter,” the campaign description read. “We are holding on to every bit of hope and faith that God gives us. He has a long road ahead, but we are believing for his healing.”
Donations were designated to cover essential living expenses, including rent, groceries, and utilities, allowing the family to focus on Matt’s recovery. Following his passing, those funds will now be used to assist Brooke and the children as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile, Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic,” extending condolences to the victims’ families and commending first responders for their tireless efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to lead the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the plane’s left engine detached from the wing shortly after takeoff, leading to the fiery crash.
Local authorities have also issued a fraud alert, warning families to be cautious of scammers posing as investigators and demanding money in exchange for information about missing loved ones.
Anyone receiving such messages is urged to contact Louisville Metro Police at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) and refrain from sending payments.
As Louisville mourns one of its most devastating aviation tragedies, the community continues to rally around the victims’ families — especially Brooke Murray and her children, who are now facing life without the man they loved.
“Matt and Brooke are loved by so many,” the fundraiser page concludes. “Please keep them in your prayers and help us support this family as they face the most difficult chapter of their lives. Matt’s courage and strength will never be forgotten.”