Lakewood Church Mourns Staff Member Killed in Maine Plane Crash

Shawna Collins remembered as a 'light' with a 'beautiful spirit'

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:15am

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A staff member of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, was among the six people killed in a private jet crash in Maine earlier this week. The church described Shawna Collins as a 'beloved member' who 'possessed a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone she met'.

Why it matters

The tragic plane crash has deeply impacted the Lakewood Church community, as they mourn the loss of one of their own. The incident also highlights the dangers of private air travel, especially in inclement weather conditions.

The details

The Paris-bound Bombardier Challenger 600 jet had stopped to refuel in Bangor, Maine during a winter storm when it flipped and caught fire during departure. In addition to Shawna Collins, the other victims included a personal injury lawyer's wife and a Hawaii-based chef who worked for the lawyer's luxury travel company.

  • The plane crash occurred on Sunday evening, January 29, 2026.
  • The airport in Bangor, Maine remained closed until at least 9 a.m. on Thursday, February 2, 2026 due to the investigation.

The players

Lakewood Church

A megachurch in Houston, Texas led by pastor Joel Osteen.

Shawna Collins

A beloved staff member at Lakewood Church who was killed in the plane crash.

Tara Arnold

An attorney at the personal injury law firm Arnold and Itkin Trial Lawyers in Houston, and one of the victims of the plane crash.

Nick Mastrascusa

A Hawaii-based chef who worked for Beyond, a luxury travel company founded by the Arnolds, and was also killed in the plane crash.

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What they’re saying

“She was a light that brightened our days, and she possessed a beautiful spirit that lifted everyone she met. We loved Shawna dearly, and we will miss her more than words can express.”

— Lakewood Church (The Christian Post)

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have joined state and local authorities to investigate the cause of the crash, which was hampered by extreme weather conditions.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Shawna Collins, a beloved staff member at Lakewood Church, has deeply impacted the church community. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks of private air travel, especially in inclement weather, and the importance of thorough safety protocols to prevent such devastating accidents.