6 people on private plane tied to Houston law firm presumed dead after crash in Maine, officials say
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — What was supposed to be a business trip to France ended in tragedy for a prominent Houston law firm and several local families.
A private Bombardier Challenger 600 jet that federal aviation records show is owned by Arnold & Itkin Law Firm took off from Hobby Airport Sunday afternoon, with the final destination in France.
Employees at Jet Aviation confirmed the corporate jet departed Hobby Airport in Houston, and successfully landed in Maine before attempting to take off again for its final destination in France. During that departure, the plane flipped and crashed.Bangor officials said the incident happened during a snowy, wintry weather event, but other planes were still taking off and landing at that time. Bangor officials say all six people on board died.
Multiple sources have confirmed that the firm’s founders, Kurt Arnold and Jason Itkin, were not on the aircraft. However, the same sources say attorney Tara Arnold, who is married to Kurt Arnold, was among the passengers killed.
Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, a close friend of the family, expressed her grief as she awaited more information.
“I’m close friends with Kurt and Tara Arnold, and we’re still waiting for additional information,” Briones said. “Unfortunately, the plane went down (Sunday) evening in Maine, and my heart hurts for them, for their children, and for their families.”
The daughter of event planner Shawna Collins also confirmed her mother was on the flight. The daughter told ABC13 she had spoken to her mother on Sunday before the flight, and Collins was excited about the upcoming business trip to Europe.
Arnold & Itkin has not released an official statement as of Monday evening. The firm’s founders are well known across Texas for their legal work, political and civic involvement, and major philanthropic contributions. The Arnolds and Itkins recently made a $40 million commitment to the University of Texas Athletics, where their names appear on the Longhorns’ stadium scoreboard.
Briones described Tara Arnold as a deeply committed public servant.
“She was a phenomenal person, a bold leader, and someone with a heart of service,” Briones said. “She was very involved in Precinct 4 and our nonprofit, Precinct 4 Forward. My heart is with Kurt, their children, and everyone affected.”
Officials in Maine have not released an official cause of the crash. Aviation experts say icy and wintry conditions may have been a factor, though authorities noted that other aircraft were landing and taking off around the same time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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