Lakewood Church Staff Member KILLED in Fiery Maine Plane Crash During Winter Storm
Shawna Collins Dies as Private Jet Crashes on Takeoff, Bursts Into Flames in Bangor
Lakewood Church confirmed Wednesday that staff member Shawna Collins was killed in Sunday's plane crash in Bangor, Maine that claimed six lives.
"She was a light that brightened our days, and she possessed a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone she met," the church stated. "We loved Shawna dearly, and we will miss her more than words can express."
A Bombardier Challenger 600 private aircraft carrying six people crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport around 7:45 p.m. Sunday. The wide bodied business jet can carry up to 11 passengers and is a popular charter option.
The crash occurred as the East Coast experienced a winter storm, leading to widespread flight cancellations and power outages. Approximately 12,000 flights were canceled Sunday with 20,000 delayed.
Victims Identified
Collins was a Houston based event planner. Her daughter told ABC 13 her mother was excited about a business trip to Europe. A church spokesperson said Collins "was traveling for personal business outside of Lakewood."
Pilot Jacob Hosmer, 47, was a licensed flight instructor and managing member of Platinum Skies Aviation LLC. Attorney Tara Arnold, wife of Arnold & Itkin founding partner Kurt Arnold, also died.
Nick Mastrascusa, an executive at a luxury travel company owned by the Arnold family, was the fourth identified victim.
The Federal Aviation Administration preliminary report states the plane "crashed under unknown circumstances on departure, came to rest inverted and caught on fire."
Bangor International Airport Director Jose Saavedra said planes were landing and departing around that time despite the snowstorm.
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
Life is fragile. Ministry work doesn't guarantee safety. Sometimes tragedy just strikes.
No villain.
No conspiracy.
Just loss.
Pray for these families.
TAKE ACTION
Pray for Families:
- Shawna Collins' family
- Hosmer, Arnold, and Mastrascusa families
- All six victims and their loved ones
Support Lakewood Church:
- Lakewood Church: https://www.lakewoodchurch.com
- Pray for church staff processing loss
Remember Fragility of Life:
- Hold loved ones close
- Live with eternal perspective
- Treasure every day
Pray for these families devastated by sudden loss. Support Lakewood Church as they mourn. Remember that life is precious and fleeting. Trust God's sovereignty even when tragedy makes no sense.
