The fatal crash happened overnight, after the small jet reported mechanical problems.

18:07, Wed, Jun 17, 2026 Updated: 18:47, Wed, Jun 17, 2026

The plane on fire

One person was killed in the crash (Image: AP)

The man who died in the horror plane crash that rocked Laredo overnight has been named. Capital Factory co-founder and CEO Joshua Baer was killed on Tuesday night, as a small business jet crashed onto a motorway near the Texan city and caught fire.

The harrowing incident happened on Loop 20 in the city after the aircraft reported mechanical problems while attempting to reach Laredo International Airport, authorities said. The plane, carrying a total of six people, had departed San José del Cabo, Mexico, and was originally meant to land in Austin. However, the aircraft's crew radioed the local airport seeking to make an emergency landing.

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Mr Baer's death was confirmed a few hours after the crash by the company he co-founded, Capital Factory.

A statement issued on Wednesday read: "It is with profound sadness that Capital Factory announces the tragic passing of our Co-Founder and CEO, Joshua Baer."

Capital Factory President Bryan Chambers described the CEO as a "fearless leader, brilliant partner and a dear friend to so many of us".

He also said: "While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and a deeply capable team. Capital Factory remains fully operational, and we are completely committed to continuing his mission of backing unstoppable founders."

Among the many paying tribute to the influential figure in the Texan tech startup landscape was state Senator Ted Cruz.

The politician described the tech founder as "one of the most significant figures driving innovation and entrepreneurship across America... In Texas, he made our state a global leader. His impact was incalculable."

Joshua Baer

Joshua Baer has sadly died in the crash (Image: Joshua Baer/Facebook)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said it has launched an investigation into the crash, the cause of which is currently unclear.

According to Laredo police, the plane lost contact with air traffic controllers before crashing about 2.5 miles short of the runway.

Flight tracking data showed the aircraft descending toward the airport before its signal disappeared at roughly 600 feet above the ground.

The other five people on the plane survive the crash and fire and were taken to hospital for treatment.