An Austin couple, their two young children, the family’s nanny, and two friends were among the nine people killed when a Bahamas-bound private jet that departed Austin crashed in South Florida on November 1, relatives said in a joint statement.
The passenger identifications put names to the losses following the crash that The Dallas Express previously reported near Greenacres in Palm Beach County. Initial accounts left the number of people aboard unclear. Subsequent reporting confirmed that seven passengers and two crew members died.
Austin family among victims
Relatives identified Austin technology entrepreneur Adam Robinson; his wife, Helen Sharp; and their children, Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, according to the family statement.
Robinson founded software businesses including Retention.com and RB2B, USA TODAY reported.
The children’s nanny, Anita Maria Cetina, also died. Relatives remembered Robinson and Sharp as devoted parents and described Cetina as a beloved member of the family who cared for the children with tenderness and devotion.
Friends Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr rounded out the seven passengers identified in the statement. Relatives remembered the couple for their adventurous spirits and love for those around them.
The families thanked first responders, investigators, and the Palm Beach County community. They requested privacy and said they would share memorial service information after completing arrangements.
Both pilots identified
Capt. Jeff Gregory and co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, also died, according to the WPBF coverage.
East Coast Jets, Gregory’s former employer, confirmed his death in a statement. Filgueiras’ family identified the Boca Raton resident as the co-pilot.
The Learjet 60 was traveling from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it lost radar and radio contact, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed.
Crash investigation continues
Investigators are examining the crew’s reports of icing and turbulence, along with evidence suggesting that aircraft components may have separated before impact, according to WFMZ’s account of a November 2 NTSB briefing.
The NTSB lists the investigation as ongoing. Investigators have not determined the cause of the crash.
