Local News
Pilot Jacob Hosmer and Shawna Collins killed in Bangor private jet crash
Family members and close friends are grieving following a fatal aviation accident that claimed the lives of six people after a private business jet crashed during takeoff from Bangor International Airport in Maine on Sunday night.
The aircraft, which was en route to France, erupted into flames after overturning on the runway, and authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. as the jet was departing amid severe winter weather conditions associated with Winter Storm Fern.
The FAA stated that the aircraft flipped during takeoff and subsequently caught fire. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately to the scene.
Audio from air traffic control communications captured moments surrounding the crash. Shortly before departure, a transmission was heard stating, โLet there be light.โ In the moments following the accident, air traffic controllers could be heard reporting, โAircraft upside down. We have a passenger aircraft upside down.โ
The FAA has not yet determined the cause of the crash, citing unknown circumstances surrounding the departure.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and will lead the investigation into the incident.
The jet was registered to a partner of the Houston-based personal injury law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers.
Sources confirmed that Tara Arnold, an attorney with the firm and the wife of founding partner Kurt Arnold, was among those on board.
Tara Arnold, a 46-year-old mother of two and a native of Louisiana, was described on the firmโs website as a seasoned legal professional.
Kurt Arnold, who has reportedly secured more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements during his legal career, and his law partner Jason Itkin were not aboard the flight, according to sources.
The pilot of the aircraft, Jacob Hosmer, 47, was also killed in the crash. Hosmer, an experienced aviator, began working for Arnold and Itkin in May 2025, according to his professional profile.
Fellow pilot Bob Howie shared a tribute to Hosmer on social media, posting a photograph of the two together and describing Hosmer as a close friend and respected pilot.
โIโm on the right, but on the left is my very good friend Jacob Hosmer, who was pilot-in-command last night when his Challenger 650 crashed on takeoff from Bangor, Maine,โ Howie wrote. โI knew Jakeโs co-pilot equally well and had flown with him too. God bless you guys. Godspeed and fair winds. Loved sharing the skies with you. A big loss.โ
Hosmerโs cousin, David Lopez Jr., also posted a tribute, calling him a role model and remembering him as someone whose presence brought light to those around him. โItโs surreal to think my cousin Jacob is no longer with us,โ Lopez wrote. โHe was the light of the room, and his smile was infectious. He will be forever missed.โ
Another victim was identified by family members as Shawna Collins, an event planner.
According to her daughter, Collins was traveling to Europe for a work-related trip at the time of the crash.
Authorities have not yet officially released the names of all six individuals killed in the accident.
In the aftermath of the crash, Bangor International Airport canceled or diverted incoming and outgoing flights and remained closed into Monday, according to a statement issued by the Bangor Police Department on social media.
Officials urged the public to avoid the area while emergency operations and the preliminary investigation continued.
The NTSB and FAA are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Local News
Tater Johnson killed after bus carrying Iowa Lakes Community College basketball team rolled over in Calhoun County
CALHOUN COUNTY, Iowa โ One person has died and multiple others were injured following a rollover bus crash on Highway 4 in Calhoun County, Iowa, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Officials later identified the victim as 19-year-old Tater Johnson of Rapid City, South Dakota.
The accident occurred at approximately 11:06 a.m., when the Calhoun County Sheriffโs Office received multiple 911 calls reporting that a bus operated by Iowa Lakes Community College had crashed.
A state trooper arrived at the scene within minutes, the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency said in a release.
Preliminary findings indicate the bus left the roadway and overturned into a ditch. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
A total of 33 individuals were on board at the time of the crash, and officials confirmed that all occupants were accounted for.
Given the number of victims, emergency responders declared a Mass Casualty Incident, prompting a large-scale response from local fire departments, emergency medical services, and law enforcement agencies.
Thirty-two passengers were triaged at the scene and transported to several area hospitals. Injuries were reported to range from minor to serious, and multiple medical helicopters were requested to assist with the rapid transport of critically injured patients.
Officials also clarified that six occupants traveling in a separate Iowa Lakes van were not involved in the crash.
Iowa Lakes Community College confirmed that members of its baseball team were aboard the bus at the time of the accident. The team was traveling to Arkansas for a scheduled game against the North Arkansas Pioneers.
In a statement, the college said it would not immediately release additional names or details but emphasized that institutional leaders are working closely with local authorities to gather more information.
โThe safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,โ the college said. โThe College is actively supporting those affected and communicating directly with families.โ
Iowa Highway 4 was closed in both directions following the crash, which occurred just north of the Twin Lakes area, as emergency crews worked to treat victims and secure the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.
U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowaโs 4th Congressional District, expressed concern following the incident.
โI am deeply concerned about this accident and grateful to our local law enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, first responders, and medical professionals who have been quickly responding at the scene,โ Feenstra said.
The North Arkansas Pioneers also released a statement on social media offering support to those impacted.
โWe ask our entire community to please lift up everyone involved, their families, and the entire Iowa Lakes community in prayer during this difficult time.โ
Authorities are expected to release additional updates as the investigation progresses.