Fifth Victim Identified in Maine Private Jet Fireball Crash as Sommelier Shelby Kuyawa, 34
Authorities have identified the fifth victim of a devastating private jet crash in Maine as Shelby Kuyawa, a 34-year-old successful sommelier who was reportedly involved in a new travel-focused business venture at the time of the tragedy.
The aircraft went down in a catastrophic crash that erupted into a fireball, killing all five people on board. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but there were no survivors. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Kuyawa was well known in the wine and hospitality world, where she had built a strong reputation for her expertise, professionalism, and passion for travel-driven experiences. Friends and colleagues described her as ambitious, warm, and deeply committed to blending culture, cuisine, and exploration through her work.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Kuyawa was taking part in a new travel company venture, a project that aligned closely with her career and personal interests. The venture was believed to focus on curated travel experiences, though officials have not released further details.
Tributes have poured in across social media from members of the hospitality and wine communities, many expressing shock at the sudden loss and remembering Kuyawa as someone who brought people together through shared experiences and enthusiasm for life.
Investigators continue to examine the wreckage and flight data to determine what led to the fatal crash. Officials have not yet released a timeline for the completion of the investigation.
The tragedy has left families, friends, and professional communities mourning the loss of five lives, including Kuyawa’s, whose promising future was cut short in the crash.
