Joshua Baer, the esteemed founder and CEO of Austin-based startup accelerator Capital Factory, tragically lost his life in a plane crash on a highway in Laredo on Tuesday night. The incident, which occurred around 10 p.m., involved a business jet that was carrying six passengers when it crashed onto Loop 20 and subsequently caught fire, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Baer, who served on the board of the Texas Tribune from 2015 to 2017, was the only fatality in the crash. The other five individuals aboard the aircraft were taken to local hospitals but fortunately sustained no serious injuries, with most being released shortly thereafter, according to statements from Jose Baeza, an investigator with the Laredo Police Department.
In a heartfelt statement, Capital Factory acknowledged Baer’s profound impact on the Texas technology and startup landscape over the past two decades, calling him a “visionary force, mentor, and champion.” Bryan Chambers, the president of Capital Factory, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “Josh was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us. While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and a deeply capable team.”
The aircraft, a Cessna 680A business jet operated by NetJets, collided with a car on the highway. The passengers of the vehicle sustained non-critical injuries, while five police officers also required treatment for smoke inhalation but were cleared by 2:45 a.m.
Witness accounts describe the chaotic aftermath of the crash, with nearby motorists rushing to assist the passengers trapped inside the burning jet. Two individuals attempted to break into the cockpit using a sledgehammer and a shovel, while most of the plane’s occupants managed to escape without assistance.
The flight had departed from San José del Cabo, located at the southern tip of Baja California Sur, and was en route to Austin. Just before the crash, one of the pilots contacted the Laredo Airport, reporting “mechanical issues” and requesting an emergency landing.
Shortly thereafter, emergency responders began receiving 911 calls regarding the incident. The exact mechanical problems that led to the crash remain under investigation.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting inquiries into the crash, with the NTSB taking the lead in the investigation and promising to provide updates as more information becomes available.
A police officer, who was returning home after his shift, witnessed the crash and was among the first to run to the scene to aid the passengers. Baeza praised the quick response from first responders and the community, stating, “We had first responders there almost immediately. There was almost no delay in response,” and he also recognized the heroism of those who rushed to help strangers in a time of crisis.
The identities of the other passengers have yet to be released; however, Baeza indicated that several were family and friends returning from their trip to San José del Cabo.
