Tech leader and entrepreneur Joshua Baer, who played a significant role in helping Austin become a technology hub, died on Tuesday when a small plane crashed along a highway in Laredo, Texas.

The plane was carrying six people when it crashed on Loop 20 in Laredo just after 10 p.m.

The jet’s crew reported mechanical issues to Laredo International Airport and was attempting to land.

The five other individuals on board survived the crash.

Austin American-Statesman has more:

Baer was CEO of the Austin-based venture capital firm and business accelerator, which he founded in 2009 and that now has operations across the state.

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“Joshua was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us,” Capital Factory President Bryan Chambers said Wednesday. “While we are devastated by this unimaginable loss, Josh built an incredibly resilient organization and team. Capital Factory remains fully operational, and we are completely committed to continuing his mission of backing unstoppable founders.”

The crash, which was reported about 10 p.m., shut down highway traffic near Saunders Street and Clark Boulevard, according to the Laredo Police Department.

Five responding officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

Videos posted online by witnesses on the scene show the aircraft on its side, in flames and smashed into a highway barrier. Motorists who stopped on the highway can be seen smashing the cockpit windows and trying to pry open a door to free people inside before first responders from the Laredo Fire Department and other agencies arrived.

“Heidi and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Josh Baer and the tragic plane crash in Laredo. Josh has been 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. Our prayers are with his family and the others aboard the aircraft,” Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said.

“Deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of @CapitalFactory founder and my friend, @JoshuaBaer. Josh was an innovative & creative leader in Austin’s entrepreneurial culture and a stalwart supporter of growing Central Texas’ military ecosystem. I and countless others will greatly miss him,” Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) said.

Fox News shared further:

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

The pilot, while radioing air traffic controllers, “mentioned low fuel and a power outage,” Laredo International Airport Director Gilberto Sanchez said, according to The Associated Press.

“They had mechanical issues, and they lost communication with the tower,” Sanchez said Wednesday, “and that’s when the accident happened.”

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Baeza also said a vehicle was struck by the aircraft. The person in that car was sent to a hospital in stable condition, the AP reported.

 

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