HOUSTON, Texas / BANGOR, Maine — The vibrant community of Houston and the congregation of one of America’s largest churches are united in grief this week following the confirmation of a devastating tragedy that occurred thousands of miles away in the snowy landscape of Maine. Shawna Collins, a cherished staff member at Lakewood Church and a beloved mother and grandmother, has been identified as one of the six victims killed in a private jet crash at Bangor International Airport.

The accident, which took place on the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the Houston area, where Collins was known not only for her professional excellence as an event planner but for a spirit that friends say “lifted everyone she met.”

As investigators in Maine work to determine the cause of the crash that claimed multiple lives, those back in Texas are remembering a woman whose life was defined by faith, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to making others feel valued.

Breaking: Tragedy on the Runway

The chain of events leading to the heartbreak began on a Sunday evening in Bangor, Maine. A Bombardier Challenger 600 business jet, originating from Houston and bound for Paris, France, had stopped at Bangor International Airport for a routine refueling stop. Among the passengers was 53-year-old Shawna Collins, who was traveling for business associated with a luxury travel startup.

The Crash: At approximately 7:45 p.m., the jet attempted to take off for the trans-Atlantic leg of its journey. However, the departure coincided with deteriorating weather conditions, as a winter storm brought snow and freezing temperatures to the region. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and witnesses, the aircraft never made it into the sky. The jet crashed at the end of the runway, coming to rest inverted and engulfed in flames.

The Aftermath: Emergency response teams from the airport and surrounding Bangor agencies rushed to the scene, battling the flames and the snowy conditions. tragically, there were no survivors. All six individuals on board—two pilots and four passengers, including Collins—perished in the accident. The airport was closed for days as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) launched a major investigation, leaving families in Houston waiting in agonizing suspense until the victims were formally identified.

The Victim: Shawna Collins

While the headlines have focused on the mechanics of the crash, the true loss is the person behind the name. Shawna Collins, 53, was a fixture in the Houston community and a pillar of the Lakewood Church staff.

A “Light” at Lakewood: For years, Collins served on the staff of Lakewood Church, the megachurch led by Pastor Joel Osteen. In a statement released to the congregation and the press, the church expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a colleague who was much more than an employee. “She was a light that brightened our days, and she possessed a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone she met,” the church statement read. “We loved Shawna dearly, and we will miss her more than words can express.”

Professional Excellence: Beyond her ministry work, Collins was a highly sought-after event planner and designer. She had a reputation for turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences. Her work often took her around the world, organizing events in locations like Italy and Hawaii. At the time of the crash, she was working with Beyond, a luxury travel concierge service founded by fellow crash victim Tara Arnold. Collins was instrumental in curating experiences for clients, bringing her signature warmth and attention to detail to the global stage.

A Devoted Family Woman: To her family, she was the anchor. Shawna was a loving mother and a proud grandmother. Friends say she was in the midst of one of the happiest seasons of her life, actively planning her daughter’s upcoming wedding—a task she approached with the same professional skill and maternal love that defined her character. “She celebrated everything, whether it was something monumental or super ordinary,” a close friend shared. “She showed up fully and gave of herself without hesitation.”

The Other Victims

The tragedy in Maine has claimed a group of talented and beloved individuals, deepening the grief in Houston. Alongside Shawna Collins, authorities identified:

• Tara Arnold: A Houston attorney, philanthropist, and founder of the “Beyond” travel company.

• Jacob Hosmer: A 47-year-old pilot from Pearland, Texas, remembered as a loving father and skilled aviator.

• Jorden Reidel: The 33-year-old co-pilot.

• Nick Mastrascusa: A chef and father of three from Hawaii.

• Shelby Kuyawa: A sommelier from Hawaii.

The group was reportedly en route to the Champagne region of France to scout locations for their luxury travel business, a trip that was meant to be the start of a new venture but ended in unimaginable loss.

The Investigation: Weather and Mechanics

As the families grieve, the quest for answers begins. A team of investigators from the NTSB arrived in Bangor shortly after the crash to comb through the wreckage.

Focus on Icing: A primary focus of the investigation is the weather. At the time of takeoff, snow was falling, and temperatures were well below freezing.

• De-Icing: Investigators will determine if the plane was properly de-iced before attempting to depart. Ice accumulation on the wings can disrupt airflow and destroy the lift needed to fly, a particularly dangerous scenario for the Bombardier Challenger series, which has a history of sensitivity to wing contamination.

• Cockpit Recorders: The “black boxes” (Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder) have been recovered and sent to Washington, D.C., for analysis. These devices will reveal the pilots’ final conversations and the aircraft’s performance data in the seconds before the crash.

NTSB officials have cautioned that a final report on the probable cause could take 12 to 18 months, though a preliminary factual report is expected within weeks.

Community Impact: Faith and Mourning

Back in Houston, the mood is one of somber reflection. Lakewood Church, which sees tens of thousands of attendees weekly, is feeling the intimate loss of a staff member who worked behind the scenes to make the ministry impactful. “Faith played a central role in Collins’s life,” the obituary notes. “She lived with intention and purpose.”

A Legacy of Service: Friends describe Shawna as someone who “lived her faith.” She didn’t just attend church; she embodied the principles of compassion and service in her daily interactions.

• The Connector: She had a natural gift for making people feel valued. Whether she was planning a high-end corporate event or helping a friend through a crisis, she brought the same level of care.

• The Mentor: Younger women in her professional circle looked up to her as a model of how to balance a demanding career with a soft heart and strong faith.

Tributes: Social media has become a digital memorial for Collins.

• “I can’t believe she’s gone. Shawna was the person you called when you didn’t know what to do, and she always had the answer,” wrote one colleague.

• “Heaven gained a master planner today. I know she’s already organizing the angels,” shared another.

Conclusion

The death of Shawna Collins is a reminder of the fragility of life. A trip to France, a business venture, a daughter’s wedding—all the plans of a vibrant life were cut short in an instant on a snowy runway in Maine.

But while her life was “far too short,” as the obituary states, it was also “impactful.” Shawna Collins left a blueprint for how to live: love deeply, serve faithfully, and celebrate every moment. As the Houston community wraps its arms around the Collins family and the families of the other victims, they do so with the assurance that Shawna’s legacy will endure in the lives she touched.

Rest in Peace, Shawna Collins. You were a light to us all.

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Summary of Key Facts:

• Victim: Shawna Collins, 53.

• Role: Lakewood Church Staff / Event Planner for “Beyond”.

• Incident: Private Jet Crash (Bombardier Challenger 600).

• Location: Bangor International Airport, Maine.

• Date: January 25, 2026.

• Cause: Crash on takeoff during snowstorm (Investigation ongoing).

• Other Victims: Tara Arnold, Jacob Hosmer, Jorden Reidel, Nick Mastrascusa, Shelby Kuyawa.