BOCA RATON, FL — April 11, 2025 — A devastating small plane crash in Boca Raton Friday morning claimed the lives of three family members and left one person on the ground injured after the aircraft plummeted from the sky and burst into flames near a busy intersection.
The Cessna 310R had taken off from Boca Raton Airport and was en route to Tallahassee International Airport when the pilot reported mechanical issues, specifically problems with the rudder. The aircraft was seen flying unusually low before it crashed near Military Trail and Glades Road, not far from Interstate 95.
The impact triggered a fiery explosion that engulfed the plane and affected nearby vehicles. One car, a 2017 Toyota Prius driven by Pablo Tafur, was struck by debris and caught fire. Tafur sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene.
All three people aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash. Authorities identified the victims as 81-year-old Robert Stark, 54-year-old Stephen Stark, and 17-year-old Brooke Stark. Investigators believe the victims were related.
The fiery crash scattered debris across a wide area, including nearby roadways and train tracks, making rescue efforts difficult for first responders.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the crash. A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks.
Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and asked the community to respect their privacy during this time of grief.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Mayor Singer said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected, and we are committed to supporting the investigation and recovery efforts.”
This incident follows another aviation tragedy just one day earlier, raising renewed concerns about small aircraft safety.
This story is developing. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.