PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA — NOVEMBER 3, 2026. A heartbreaking aviation disaster has left several families mourning after a private Learjet 60 crashed in South Florida on Sunday, November 1, killing all nine people aboard, including a technology entrepreneur, his wife, their two young children, two close friends, the family’s nanny and both pilots.
The aircraft had departed Austin, Texas, and was traveling to North Eleuthera in the Bahamas when it encountered difficulties over Palm Beach County.
Newly released family statements have identified the victims and shared emotional memories of the people whose lives ended so unexpectedly.
A Family of Four Among the Victims
The family members who died were Adam Robinson, 45, his wife Helen Sharp, 40, and their children, Emma Robinson, 4, and Charlie Robinson, 2.
Adam was a technology entrepreneur associated with several software companies, including Retention.com and RB2B.
He was known for his involvement in the technology business community and had previously studied at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Helen was an artist who enjoyed ceramics and creative work while raising their children.
The couple’s family remembered them as loving parents whose children were the center of their lives.
Their sudden deaths have left relatives, friends and colleagues grieving.
Two Close Friends Were Also Traveling With Them
The family’s joint statement identified two additional passengers as Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr.
Both women were close friends of Adam and Helen.
Relatives remembered them as adventurous, caring people who deeply valued their friendships and families.
Their loss has affected another circle of loved ones who are now mourning alongside the Robinson and Sharp families.
The Children’s Nanny Was Among Those Killed
Another passenger was identified as Anita Maria Apellido Cetina, who worked as the family’s nanny.
Anita Maria helped care for Emma and Charlie and had become an important part of their everyday lives.
In their tribute, relatives described her as a devoted caregiver who treated the children with extraordinary tenderness.
Her death has brought additional sorrow to those who knew her.
Captain Jeff Gregory and Co-Pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras
The aircraft’s captain was identified as Jeffrey “Jeff” Gregory, 55, an experienced pilot whose death was acknowledged by a former aviation employer.
The co-pilot was Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20, a young aviator who had pursued her passion for flying since her teenage years.
Nathalia earned her private pilot’s license at just 17 while attending West Boca Raton Community High School.
Her father, Allan Filgueiras, and her mother, Camila Corteleti, publicly confirmed her identity.
Her sister, Giulia Filgueiras, remembered flying as one of Nathalia’s greatest passions.
The young co-pilot had dreamed of building a long career in aviation.
The Final Minutes of the Flight
The Learjet 60, registered as N722BD, departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at approximately 10:37 a.m. on November 1.
Its intended destination was North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas.
While flying over South Florida, the crew reported turbulence, precipitation and ice accumulating on the aircraft.
The pilots requested permission to climb to a higher altitude.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated.
Air traffic control recordings captured emergency calls as the aircraft began descending at an extremely high rate.
The crew reported an overspeed condition, meaning the jet was traveling faster than its intended operating limits.
Shortly afterward, communication was lost.
The Jet Crashed Near a Residential Neighborhood
At approximately 12:50 p.m., the aircraft crashed near Military Trail and 10th Avenue North in the Greenacres area of Palm Beach County.
The impact caused a massive explosion and fire.
Witnesses captured video showing the aircraft plunging toward the ground before striking near a roadway.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, and hundreds of nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis visited the area and commented on the magnitude of the crash.
All nine occupants were pronounced dead.
Federal Investigators Examine the Wreckage
The National Transportation Safety Board, NTSB, is leading the investigation with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.
Investigators have reported evidence suggesting that parts of the aircraft began separating before it struck the ground.
Debris was scattered across a wide area, complicating recovery efforts.
Weather conditions, aircraft performance, maintenance records and the final communications are being examined.
Although the crew reported icing and turbulence, investigators have not determined the definitive cause of the crash.
The Nine Victims Identified
The people who lost their lives were:
- Adam Robinson, 45 — Technology entrepreneur and father.
- Helen Sharp, 40 — Artist, wife and mother.
- Emma Robinson, 4 — Daughter of Adam and Helen.
- Charlie Robinson, 2 — Son of Adam and Helen.
- Rachael Reed — Close family friend.
- Charmi Fehr — Close family friend.
- Anita Maria Apellido Cetina — The children’s nanny.
- Jeffrey “Jeff” Gregory, 55 — Aircraft captain.
- Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, 20 — Co-pilot.
Families Ask for Privacy as They Mourn
In a joint statement, relatives expressed gratitude to emergency responders, investigators and members of the Palm Beach County community.
They also acknowledged the grief being experienced by the families of both pilots.
The families requested privacy while making arrangements to honor their loved ones.
What began as a flight from Texas to the Bahamas ended with the loss of nine lives, leaving parents, siblings, relatives and friends searching for comfort and answers.
As investigators continue examining the circumstances of the crash, the victims are being remembered not only for how they died, but for the lives they lived and the people they loved.