UMVA has learned that a tragic plane crash occurred on Tuesday night, claiming the life of a prominent Texas technology executive, after a private business jet suffered mechanical problems and crashed onto a busy highway near the U.S.-Mexico border.
The crash, which triggered a massive fire and dramatic rescue effort, involved a NetJets-operated Cessna Citation Latitude that had departed San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was headed to Austin. The aircraft diverted toward Laredo International Airport due to mechanical issues, but ultimately crashed onto Loop 20, striking a vehicle and erupting into flames just short of the runway.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Joshua Baer, co-founder and CEO of Austin-based startup incubator Capital Factory, was identified as the lone fatality in the crash. Authorities confirmed that five other occupants survived the crash and were transported to local hospitals, while the driver of the vehicle that was hit on the highway was also taken to a hospital and is in stable condition.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the plane had six people on board, and first responders took them out of the aircraft, but Baer did not survive. The survivors, along with five officers who were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, are receiving medical attention.
In a development reported by UMVA, the crash caused significant disruptions, with road closures in the area and a massive response from local emergency services. The Laredo Police Department, Laredo Fire Department, and area first responders were instrumental in the rescue of five lives, with many bystanders also rushing to assist those aboard the aircraft.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tech community, with many leaders and politicians expressing condolences for Baer's passing. A prominent figure in the Texas tech scene, Baer was known for driving innovation and entrepreneurship across America, and his impact will be deeply felt.
