A private Learjet 60 carrying nine individuals tragically crashed into a multi-lane highway in Florida on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of everyone on board. The flight, which originated in Austin, Texas, was en route to the Bahamas when the accident occurred.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the crash, examining potential factors such as ice, turbulence, or human error. The precise cause of the devastating incident remains undetermined.
Victims Identified in Tragic Accident
Among the nine fatalities were Texas tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, his wife Helen Sharp, and their two young children, Emma, aged four, and Charlie, aged two. A joint statement from the families described Adam and Helen as "devoted parents" and their children as "the light of their lives."
"Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives," the family statement read.
Robinson was known as the founder and CEO of RB2B and Retention.com, and the CEO of Moltsets, with previous experience at Lehman Brothers and Barclays. Fellow tech entrepreneur Jesse Ouellette remembered Robinson as a supportive friend and colleague who helped him build his company.
Helen Sharp was an accomplished artist. Her father, Dudley Sharp, confirmed their presence on the plane, stating, "We had a daughter, her husband and two grandchildren on the plane."
Additional Passengers and Crew
Also killed in the Florida jet crash were Rachel Reed and Charmi Fehr, described by family as "full of joy and adventure." Anita Maria Cetina, who cared for Emma and Charlie, was also among the victims. The family statement lauded her "tenderness and devotion," noting she was "truly part of the family."
The flight crew included pilot Jeff Gregory, 55, who had previously worked for East Coast Jets, and co-pilot Nathalia Filgueiras, 20. Filgueiras had earned her pilot's license at just 17. Her mother, Camila Corteleti, told The New York Times that Nathalia "loved the freedom" of flying. In a 2023 interview, Filgueiras remarked, "I like being different than everyone. Some people think that it's weird that I can fly planes, but I can't drive a car, I mean I can but, a lot of people think it's funny."