Beloved Key West Charter Captain Jacob Harnett and Young Son Identified Among Victims of Tragic Florida Plane Crash

KEY WEST, FL — Heartbreak and sorrow ripple through the Key West community following the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of Jacob Harnett, a cherished local charter boat captain, and his young son over the weekend. Authorities and family members confirmed the identities of the victims, leaving the tight-knit island community in shock and mourning the loss of two bright, adventurous souls taken far too soon.

The tragic crash occurred on Saturday afternoon, when a small private plane went down shortly after taking off from an airstrip in the Florida Keys. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, but despite their efforts, both Jacob and his son were pronounced deceased. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, seeking to determine the cause of the crash.

Jacob, affectionately known to many as “Captain Jake,” was well known throughout the Keys for his charisma, skill, and deep love of the sea. As the owner and operator of a successful charter fishing business, he spent countless days navigating the turquoise waters, sharing his passion for fishing, marine life, and adventure with visitors from around the world. He was known not only for his expertise but for his friendly nature — the kind of captain who made every passenger feel like family by the end of the trip.

Friends and fellow captains describe Jacob as a man who embodied the spirit of Key West — hardworking, loyal, and endlessly kind. Whether he was guiding tourists through the reefs or helping a fellow boater in need, he lived by a simple creed: treat others with respect and cherish every day on the water. To many in the maritime community, Jacob wasn’t just a colleague; he was a brother, a friend, and a symbol of what it means to love both your craft and your community.

Tragically, Jacob’s young son — his “first mate,” as he lovingly called him — was by his side during the flight. The two shared an unbreakable bond built on adventure, laughter, and the simple joy of spending time together on the water. Their relationship was one that inspired many, a testament to the love between a father and his child. They were inseparable, and their shared love of the ocean was a reflection of Jacob’s devotion as both a father and mentor.

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes began to pour in across social media and local marinas. The Key West waterfront, normally bustling with life and laughter, fell quiet as boats lowered their flags in honor of Captain Jake. Candles, flowers, and fishing lures have been placed along the docks — symbols of respect for a man who gave so much to the sea and to those who shared it with him.

The Harnett family, while requesting privacy during this time of profound loss, has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from the community. Plans are underway for a memorial service at sea, where friends and loved ones will gather to celebrate Jacob and his son’s lives in the waters they both called home.

Jacob’s passing leaves an unfillable void — not just in his family, but in the broader Key West community. His legacy will live on in every person he inspired, every fishing story told in his memory, and every wave that laps against the shore of the place he loved most.

In the words of one close friend, “The ocean was Jake’s life, and it’s where he found peace. He and his boy are together now, forever part of the sea.”

May Captain Jacob Harnett and his beloved son rest in eternal peace, their spirits forever carried by the tides of the ocean they loved so dearly.