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Austin Tech Leader Killed, 5 Miraculously Rescued in Fiery Texas Jet Crash
LAREDO, Texas — A chartered business jet carrying six people crashed onto a South Texas highway, killing a prominent Austin tech executive but miraculously allowing five others to escape the fiery wreckage with the help of heroic bystanders and first responders.
The victim was identified as Josh Baer, a well-known fixture in the Austin technology scene and the founder of the prominent startup accelerator Capital Factory. The company confirmed his tragic passing in an official statement following the late-night accident.
The flight, a Cessna Citation operated by NetJets, originally took off from Mexico and was bound for Austin. While en route, the flight crew reported severe mechanical issues and attempted to divert to Laredo International Airport. Flight tracking data indicates the twin-engine jet came down on the Loop 20 highway, roughly two and a half miles short of the runway.
Witnesses at the scene described a horrifying sight as the aircraft split in half upon impact, scattering burning debris across multiple lanes of traffic and exploding into large flames. Bystanders rushed toward the inferno, working frantically alongside arriving police officers who pounded on the cockpit windshield to free those trapped inside.
Five passengers survived the initial impact and were pulled to safety through the plane's door. Those five survivors, along with five responding police officers who suffered injuries during the rescue, were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Authorities noted the falling jet also struck a civilian vehicle on the highway, sending at least one occupant of that car to the hospital.
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino commended the swift action of local emergency crews, noting that first responders activated established disaster protocols within minutes of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board has taken the lead on the investigation to determine the exact mechanical failure that caused the accident, which marks the third deadly aircraft crash in the United States this week.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 17, 2026
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BREAKING: Human remains believed to be those of 17-year-old T’neya Tovar have been discovered at a second site in the Salton City area, according to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office. A skull and rib cage were found during a search involving Imperial County investigators and the FBI. Testing is still needed to confirm the remains belong to Tovar. The discovery comes one day after suspect Finebloom pleaded guilty to torture and voluntary manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that could result in a sentence of 13 years to life. More details on NBCPalmSprings.com
NBC Palm Springs went back to Indio Hills today after Dillon Road flooded last night, forcing many residents to leave. One resident told us he is back today, working on repairs—after his home faced extensive damage in the flood. be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for a live look at the area today. #coachellavalley #weather #flood #indiohills #weather
This afternoon in Salton City, the FBI and Imperial County Sheriff’s Department were in the neighborhood of Abraham Feinbloom. Searching just after a plea deal was made to where Feinbloom agreed to show investigators where the remains of T’Neya Tovar are. Feinbloom pled guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. Tonight you’ll hear from neighbors who have been following the case from the very beginning, that story will be on nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #abrahamfeinbloom #fyp #murdercase #missingteenager
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Salton city resident Abraham Feinbloom is expected to take a plea deal in the murder case of 17 year old T’Neya Tovar. Under the plea deal obtained by the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, Feinbloom will plead guilty to one count of torture and voluntary manslaughter. According to court records, he is also expected to assist law enforcement in finding the rest of the victim’s remains. Our @newsbyalondra will be inside the courtroom for his official sentencing Tuesday, September 29th with the very latest.