By Karim Hammam
Tech startup founder Adam Robinson, 45, his wife Helen, their two young children, a nanny, two family friends, and two pilots were killed Sunday when a Learjet 60 crashed in Cresthaven, Palm Beach County, Florida. The aircraft was en route from Texas to the Bahamas.
Crash Details and Investigation
The co-pilot, 20-year-old Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, issued a mayday call reporting a rapid descent of 10,000 feet per minute. Audio captured the final 60 seconds before the plane plummeted, with the last words heard being, “We’re out of time.” The jet exploded on impact, leaving a large crater. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the crash as “cataclysmic” but noted no injuries on the ground.
Investigation Focuses on Weather and Structural Failure
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Member Tom Chapman said there is evidence the aircraft began breaking apart before impact, and that weather conditions, including rain and possible icing at altitude, are a major focus. The pilot had reported ice accumulation and an outside temperature of -47 degrees Celsius, along with turbulence that bounced the plane 700 feet.
Robinson's Post on Family and Work Resurfaces
Robinson, founder of the tech startup Retention, had written an emotional post on X in April about prioritizing family over work. He described leaving work between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to be present for his family, stating, “My family life gives me energy for my work. My work gives me energy for my family life.” The post resurfaced widely after the tragedy.
Families Share Tributes
The Robinson, Fehr, and Cetina families released a joint statement remembering Adam and Helen as devoted parents and Charmi Fehr and Rachael Reed as full of joy. Nanny Anita Maria Apellido Cetina was praised for her tenderness. Filgueiras’ mother, Camila Corteleti, said her daughter had logged over 1,300 flight hours and loved the freedom of flying.
