Three Killed in Fiery Cessna 310 Crash Near Boca Raton Airport Identified as Members of Stark Family; North Military Trail Temporarily Closed as FAA, NTSB Investigate
BOCA RATON, FL – April 12, 2025 — A devastating small aircraft crash near Boca Raton Airport on Friday morning has claimed the lives of three family members from South Florida and left one person on the ground injured. Authorities have confirmed that the victims killed in the crash of the Cessna 310 twin-engine aircraft were Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton; his son Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach; and granddaughter Brooke Stark, 17, also of Delray Beach.
Crash Overview
The crash occurred around 10:20 a.m. near North Military Trail and NW 40th Street, not far from the Boca Raton Airport. Witnesses described the plane flying unusually low before it clipped trees, struck a vehicle waiting at a traffic light, and exploded into flames upon impact with the ground. The aircraft had just taken off and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport.
Terrifying video footage captured from multiple angles showed the plane engulfed in flames as it skidded down the road and into railroad tracks, with thick black smoke rising into the sky.
Victims Identified
The three occupants of the Cessna 310, all members of the Stark family, tragically lost their lives in the crash:
- Robert Stark, 81, a longtime Boca Raton resident and experienced private pilot
- Stephen Stark, 54, his son, a respected attorney in Delray Beach
- Brooke Stark, 17, Stephen’s daughter and a high school senior with dreams of studying environmental science
The family was reportedly traveling for a short spring getaway ahead of Brooke’s upcoming graduation.
Ground Impact and Injuries
On the ground, 24-year-old Pablo Tafur of Boca Raton was driving a sedan that was struck by the crashing aircraft. Tafur was able to escape his vehicle before it was fully consumed by flames. He sustained first-degree burns on his arm but is expected to make a full recovery.
“I saw something in the sky coming down fast, then all of a sudden my car was hit,” Tafur told local news crews. “I jumped out just in time. It’s a miracle I’m alive.”
Cause and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Preliminary information indicates that the pilot, Robert Stark, reported mechanical problems shortly after takeoff. The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 8–10 minutes before the incident.
“We are reviewing flight data, inspecting the wreckage, and collecting witness statements,” said NTSB investigator Joshua Green. “At this time, all signs point to a mechanical failure, but we won’t have definitive answers until the full investigation is complete.”
Community Reaction and Road Closures
The tragic event has shaken the Boca Raton community, particularly the Spring Lake neighborhood where the Stark family lived. Friends and neighbors described the Starks as “humble, kind, and deeply connected to their community.”
“I knew Brooke since she was a little girl,” said Karen Morales, a neighbor. “She had such a bright future ahead. This is just heartbreaking.”
North Military Trail was closed between NW 19th Street and Butts Road for several hours on Friday as emergency crews worked to secure the area. Railroad service in the area was also disrupted due to debris on the tracks. Officials warned that road closures and detours may continue through the weekend.
Tributes and Remembrance
An outpouring of grief has flooded social media, with classmates, colleagues, and community members sharing memories and condolences.
A memorial vigil for the Stark family is being organized at Delray High School on Sunday evening, where Brooke was a standout student and active in several environmental clubs.
“This is an unimaginable loss,” said Mayor Scott Singer. “The Stark family was well-known and deeply respected in our community. Our hearts go out to everyone who is grieving this terrible tragedy.”
