Families identify victims killed in Florida plane crash as investigators probe possible weather link

CRESTHAVEN, Flo. - Families have confirmed the identities of seven of the nine people killed after an airplane crashed into a Florida neighborhood Sunday, as investigators examine whether weather conditions may have contributed to the incident.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a Learjet 60 crashed near Cresthaven, Florida, just before 1 p.m. on Sunday. All nine people on board were killed.

The crash left a massive crater on the side of the road and caused significant debris and damage to surrounding infrastructure. In a press conference Sunday, Governor Ron DeSantis said roughly 600 residents are being assisted with temporary shelter and other essential needs.

"This was a cataclysmic plane crash. It looked like a missile going down. It left a big crater on the side of the road," DeSantis said during the press conference.

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In a statement, the families identified Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, their children Emma and Charlie, Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr and Anita Maria Cetina as among those killed. They remembered them as devoted parents, loving family members and joyful friends while thanking first responders and asking for privacy as they grieve.

Investigators are examining whether ice buildup may have played a role in the crash, while preliminary evidence suggests the aircraft may have begun breaking apart before hitting the ground.

In a press conference, Tom Chapman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) discussed challenges facing recovery crews, including water accumulating inside the impact crater, which has complicated efforts to retrieve wreckage from the crash site.

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"There was a lot of debris that was spewed as a result of this crash. As of now, we don't have any reports of anyone who was on the ground apart from the people in the plane who were killed or injured as a result of the debris," DeSantis said.

The plane took off from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas, and was headed to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when it encountered ice and reported turbulence.

Crew reports indicate the pilot asked the air traffic controller for a better ride, and shortly after encountered precipitation.

The FOX Forecast Center said at the surface, both airports reported moderate winds and thunderstorms in the area.

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"The plane likely flew through a developing thunderstorm that moved in from the south-east approximately five minutes prior to the crash," the FOX Forecast Center said.

The estimated cloud height of the storm was around 44,000 feet — about 7,000 feet higher than the plane was flying. Because of this, it is likely that weather played a role in the crash, the FOX Forecast Center said.

However, it is not 100% certain until officials conduct and finalize their investigation.

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Investigators have not yet determined whether the plane was equipped with a flight data recorder, commonly referred to as a black box, which could provide additional information about the moments leading up to the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the NTSB will handle the investigation.

The NTSB has launched its rapid response team of specialists to investigate the plane crash.

The FOX Forecast Center said a SIGMET warning — an aviation weather advisory alerting pilots to significant, potentially hazardous conditions such as severe thunderstorms and icing — was in effect at the time of the crash.

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The warning indicated that severe turbulence, in-flight icing and hail were all possible.

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Duffy called the crash a "horrific tragedy." Officials have not yet identified the people who died, and the cause of the crash has not yet been determined.

See the families' statements in full below:

A joint statement from the families of Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, Emma and Charlie Robinson, Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr and Anita Maria Cetina:

"With broken hearts, our families share that Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp, their children Emma and Charlie, Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina were among those lost aboard the flight that went down near Greenacres, Florida, on November 1.

Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives. Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.

Charmi and Rachel were full of joy and adventure. They loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation. From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building. They are deeply loved, and we will miss them endlessly. 

Anita Maria cared for Emma and Charlie with tenderness and devotion, and she was truly part of the family. She showed us a legacy of unconditional love and devotion.

We are deeply grateful to the first responders, investigators, and the Palm Beach County community for their care, and to everyone who has reached out with love. Our hearts are also with the families of the pilots, who are grieving alongside us.

We ask for privacy as we grieve. Details about memorial services will be shared once arrangements are made."

Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets Team Statement 

"We are heartbroken by the loss of Adam Robinson, our CEO and co-founder, his wife Helen and their two young children, who died in a tragic plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on November 1, 2026.

Adam was much more than our CEO. He was a friend, a mentor and a bold, outspoken leader who lived life to the fullest. He cared deeply about the people around him and brought energy and conviction to everything he built. His loss is deeply felt across our team and the tech community, as we collectively mourn this significant loss.

Our hearts are with Adam and Helen’s family and loved ones, and with everyone affected by the crash. We ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Our immediate focus at Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets is supporting our employees and Adam and Helen’s family. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to them and our team."