Robert Stark, 81, Stephen Stark, 54, and Brooke Stark, 17, Tragically Killed in Cessna 310R Plane Crash Near Boca Raton Airport; Victims Identified, Authorities Confirm Fatalities
In the wake of a devastating plane crash near the Boca Raton Airport on Friday, April 11, 2025, the identities of the three individuals who perished in the tragic accident have been officially released by authorities. Robert Stark, aged 81, of Boca Raton, his son Stephen Stark, aged 54, from Delray Beach, and his granddaughter, Brooke Stark, aged 17, also from Delray Beach, all lost their lives when the small aircraft they were aboard crashed shortly after takeoff. This incident has left not only the victims’ family but the entire South Florida community in mourning.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:12 a.m., near the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, an area close to Florida Atlantic University and bustling local businesses. The event sent a shockwave through the community, not just due to the scale of the tragedy, but because of the visibility of the crash, which produced large fireballs and thick smoke clouds visible from miles around. The authorities and investigators are now working tirelessly to uncover the reasons behind this tragic event.
The Stark Family’s Background
The Stark family, beloved in their local communities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach, were returning to their family home after a planned trip. Robert Stark, an 81-year-old retired businessman, was known for his philanthropic efforts and active role in local organizations. His son, Stephen, a 54-year-old successful businessman in his own right, often followed in his father’s footsteps, actively participating in both community and professional circles. Stephen was married and the father of two children, with Brooke being his youngest.
Brooke Stark, the 17-year-old high school senior, had dreams of attending college and was excited about the possibilities her future held. A passionate student, she excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, including tennis and environmental club. According to friends and family, Brooke was described as an optimistic and kind-hearted young woman with a bright future ahead.
The trio had embarked on a brief family trip, aiming to visit Tallahassee. Robert Stark, although in his early 80s, was still sharp and engaged in the family business, frequently traveling for both work and leisure. Stephen, as the pilot of the plane, was tasked with navigating the flight, a responsibility that he had held with confidence in the past. Brooke, who had recently obtained her driver’s license, had accompanied her father and grandfather on the flight.
The Cessna 310R and the Flight’s Ill-Fated Journey
The plane involved in the tragedy was a Cessna 310R, a twin-engine aircraft that has been a popular choice for general aviation for several decades. Built in 1977, the Cessna 310R had been registered to REPROP LLC, a company based in Wilmington, Delaware. According to reports, the plane had taken off from the Boca Raton Airport at approximately 10:00 a.m. that morning, bound for Tallahassee. Early indicators suggest that the plane was airborne for about 8 to 10 minutes before disaster struck.
Preliminary data from FlightAware, which tracks aircraft movements, revealed that the plane had performed several circular maneuvers in the air before the crash. These movements have raised concerns that the pilot, Stephen Stark, might have been struggling with some form of technical difficulty or mechanical issue. These maneuvers, typically used by pilots to regain control of an aircraft, might suggest that the pilot attempted to return to the airport or sought to troubleshoot in the air.
The crash site itself was near a busy commercial area, close to the intersection of Military Trail and Glades Road, in proximity to Florida Atlantic University. The plane went down in a residential and commercial zone, heightening the potential for further casualties. It struck a Toyota, driven by 24-year-old Pablo Tafur, who was on the ground at the time of the crash. Tafur suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Video footage from nearby witnesses depicted horrific scenes of a large fireball erupting from the wreckage as it collided with the ground, followed by plumes of thick smoke billowing into the air. Emergency responders were on the scene within moments, but unfortunately, the three family members aboard the aircraft were confirmed dead by authorities shortly after the crash.
First Responders and the Aftermath of the Crash
First responders, including fire and rescue personnel, were quick to arrive at the scene. Firefighters worked to contain the massive blaze that erupted upon impact, but the crash site was heavily engulfed in flames, making immediate recovery efforts difficult. The visibility of the smoke and fire was evident from surrounding neighborhoods, schools, and even businesses that were located miles away from the crash site.
Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with many capturing video footage of the wreckage as emergency responders battled the blaze. The video showed the aircraft’s fuselage and wings consumed by fire, with bodies visible near the wreckage. The scenes were distressing for those who arrived at the scene, as well as for the families waiting to hear updates on their loved ones.
At the crash site, investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began their preliminary investigation. As part of the protocol in such cases, the NTSB began gathering information about the pilot’s qualifications, the maintenance records of the aircraft, and any environmental conditions that may have played a role in the accident. The aircraft, which had been registered to REPROP LLC, was later transported to a salvage facility for further inspection.
The Role of the NTSB in the Investigation
Kurt Gibson, an aviation accident investigator from the NTSB, addressed the press during a briefing on Friday evening, confirming that a full investigation would be carried out into the causes of the crash. According to Gibson, the NTSB would be focusing on three key areas during their investigation: the pilot’s qualifications and recent flight history, the aircraft’s maintenance records and any potential mechanical failures, and the environmental conditions, including weather, at the time of the crash.
The NTSB confirmed that the aircraft’s final moments would be analyzed in detail, especially the maneuvers it performed prior to the crash. Flight data showed that the plane performed circular turns, which could indicate the pilot was attempting to troubleshoot or turn the plane back toward the airport. These details will help the NTSB better understand what went wrong and why the aircraft was unable to maintain flight.
A full investigation may take anywhere from several months to a year, with the NTSB promising to release a preliminary report within 30 days. The final, comprehensive report will take anywhere between 12 to 24 months to complete, which will shed light on all the contributing factors.
In the meantime, authorities have warned local residents to avoid the crash site, as there are ongoing closures in the area, including portions of North Military Trail and nearby train tracks. Officials are also urging drivers to stay clear of the area to allow emergency crews to continue their work.
Impact on the Boca Raton Community
This tragedy has deeply affected the South Florida community, especially in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, where the Stark family had long been residents. Robert Stark, Stephen Stark, and Brooke Stark were well-known figures in their community, and their loss has left a gaping hole in the hearts of those who knew them.
Friends and colleagues of Stephen Stark have expressed shock and disbelief over the events. Stephen was not only a successful businessman but a beloved community member. His son, Robert, had been involved in local charities and was known for his generosity. Brooke, the youngest victim, was regarded as a promising young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The Stark family had always been close-knit, and their loss has left many people struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
The authorities are expected to continue providing updates on the investigation, which remains a top priority for both the NTSB and the local law enforcement agencies. As the community grieves, many are calling for stronger safety measures and increased awareness of aviation risks in the region. While no one can undo the damage caused by this devastating incident, there is hope that the investigation will provide some answers and, ultimately, help prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The crash of the Cessna 310R near Boca Raton Airport on April 11, 2025, has left a profound impact on the Stark family, the local community, and the world of aviation. Robert Stark, 81, Stephen Stark, 54, and Brooke Stark, 17, will be remembered for their contributions to their family and community. The NTSB’s investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, and while the loss is immeasurable, there is hope that the findings will provide much-needed clarity and insight into what led to this heart-wrenching tragedy.
As authorities work tirelessly to determine the cause, the Boca Raton community continues to rally around the grieving family, offering support and condolences to those left behind.
