The Bahamas-bound Learjet 60 crashed Sunday afternoon near a mobile home community in Greenacres, Florida, leaving behind fiery wreckage and grieving families.
Among those killed were Austin-based tech entrepreneur Adam Robinson, 44, his wife, Helen Sharp, and their two young children, Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2.
Robinson was the founder and CEO of software companies Retention.com and RB2B, while Sharp was a ceramics artist who frequently shared her artwork and glimpses of family life on social media.
In an emotional tribute, Robinson’s brother remembered the couple’s love for one another.
“Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever,” he wrote.
A family statement also remembered the couple as devoted parents.
“Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives,” the tribute read.
Also killed were family friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, along with nanny Anita Maria Apellido Cetina.
The family remembered Reed and Fehr as women who “were full of joy and adventure” and loved those around them deeply.
Cetina, who cared for the Robinson children, was described as much more than an employee.
“She showed us a legacy of unconditional love and devotion,” the family shared.
The tragedy also claimed the lives of Captain Jeff Gregory, 55, and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20.
Gregory, a married father of three, was a devout Christian and longtime member of Limerick Chapel in Pennsylvania. In the final moments before the crash, he was reportedly heard reciting the Lord’s Prayer over the radio as the aircraft rapidly lost altitude.
His young co-pilot, who had earned her pilot’s license while still in high school, could be heard desperately calling for help.
Following the tragedy, Gregory’s church notified congregants that the pilot “went home to be with the Lord when the plane he was flying crashed.”
David Peters, a close friend and former neighbor, remembered Gregory as a dedicated pilot who had dreamed of flying since childhood.
“I know he worked hard to become a pilot and it was something he truly loved and poured his life and heart into,” Peters told The Sun.
Gregory leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, 53, and their three children.
Federal investigators are working to determine what caused the deadly crash. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft encountered extremely cold temperatures, icing conditions and heavy turbulence before breaking apart in the air.
Debris was scattered across approximately half a mile. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash or whether the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder survived.
As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, Gregory’s final prayer offers a moving glimpse into the faith that guided his life, even in its final moments.
Heavenly Father, we lift up the nine lives lost in this heartbreaking tragedy and all those grieving their passing. Please surround their families and friends with Your comfort, strength and peace. Be especially close to the parents, spouses, children and loved ones facing unimaginable loss. May they find hope in Your promises and strength in Your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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