Top Hawaiian chef and dad of three ID’d as fourth victim of Maine plane crash
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday when a private jet crashed and erupted into flames in Maine, claiming the lives of six occupants, including a renowned Hawaiian chef and devoted father of three. Nick Mastrascusa, the fourth victim identified in the crash, was on board the Bombardier Challenger 600 owned by the Houston-based Arnold & Itkin law firm when the tragedy occurred during takeoff from Bangor International Airport.
Mastrascusa, who served as the executive vice president of hospitality for the luxury travel company “Beyond,” founded by Kurt Arnold and Tara Arnold, was described as an award-winning chef and sommelier with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. His most recent role as executive chef and director of food and beverage at Discovery Land’s Kūkiʻo Golf and Beach Club on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi showcased his expertise in overseeing three restaurants and an exclusive wine program.
The devastating loss of Mastrascusa has left his beloved wife, Natalia, and their three children – Analani, Mateo, and Noah – grappling with profound grief. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the chef’s family during this difficult time, with an outpouring of love and donations exceeding $117,000 towards the $200,000 goal.
In addition to Mastrascusa, Tara Arnold, pilot Jacob Hosmer, and event planner Shawna Collins were among the identified victims of the fatal crash. The private jet, en route to Paris from Houston, crashed back onto the snowy runway and exploded shortly after takeoff, tragically claiming the lives of all on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the incident, with officials working diligently to identify the remains and determine the cause of the crash. As the aviation community mourns the loss of these individuals, the harrowing details of the crash continue to unfold, shedding light on the fragility of life and the profound impact of this tragic event.
