A tragic plane crash earlier this week claimed the life of a cherished staff member from Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, leaving the community in mourning. Shawna Collins, remembered for her “beautiful spirit,” was one of the six victims who perished in the accident, the church confirmed.

According to a statement given to The Christian Post, Collins was traveling for personal reasons and was not on church business during the ill-fated flight. The private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 600, was en route to Paris but had stopped to refuel amidst light snow, mild winds, and near-zero temperatures as a severe winter storm loomed over Bangor, Maine. Tragically, the aircraft flipped and ignited during its departure.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the loss of Shawna Collins, a beloved member of our church staff and treasured friend,” Lakewood Church conveyed to The Christian Post. “Shawna illuminated our lives with her warmth and spirit, touching everyone she met. Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we extend our deepest sympathies and support to her family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Among those who perished with Collins were Jacob Hosmer and Tara Arnold, both identified as victims of the Maine plane crash. The community continues to grapple with the devastating loss of these individuals, all remembered through heartfelt tributes and memories shared by those who knew them.

Jacob Hosmer, Shawna Collins and Tara Arnold were three victims identified in a plane crash in Maine. (Jacob Hosmer/Facebook; Shawna Collins/Instagram; Kurt Arnold/Facebook)

The jet was registered to a partner of personal injury law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers in Houston. Tara Arnold, an attorney at the firm and wife of founding partner Kurt Arnold, and Hawaii-based chef Nick Mastrascusa were also killed in the crash, according to reports.  

Mastrascusa reportedly worked for Beyond, a luxury travel company founded by the Arnolds. Beyond’s website also lists Shawna Collins as being its “luxury event designer and experience curator.” 

The director of Bangor International Airport said Wednesday that the federal investigation into the crash has been hampered by extreme weather, including deep snow that has blanketed the scene and covered the burned wreckage.

Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are seen investigating a plane crash at Bangor International Airport Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 in Bangor, Maine. (Linda Coan O’Kresik/The Bangor Daily News via AP)

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration joined state and local authorities at the scene and recovered the cockpit voice and data recorders for analysis. The state medical examiner’s office also was there to remove the bodies of the victims and formally identify them. The airport will remain closed until at least 9 a.m. Thursday, director Jose Saavedra said, according to The Associated Press. 

Prior to the jet’s departure, another plane had just aborted takeoff, radioing to the tower that they chose not to fly because visibility wasn’t great and they would need more de-icing, the AP also reported. 

The snow would eventually accumulate to about 9.5 inches, but it was only beginning at the time of the crash.

A GoFundMe page identified Nick Mastrascusa as one of the victims of a plane crash in Maine over the weekend. (GoFundMe)

The Bombardier Challenger 600 had gone through a standard de-icing process before proceeding to the runway, Saavedra said.