Key West Mourns Beloved Charter Captain Jacob Harnett and Young Son Killed in Tragic Florida Plane Crash

Key West Mourns Beloved Charter Captain Jacob Harnett and Young Son Killed in Tragic Florida Plane Crash

KEY WEST, FL — The Key West community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Jacob Harnett, a well-known and deeply loved local charter boat captain, and his young son, who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash over the weekend. Authorities confirmed that the crash occurred on Saturday afternoon, leaving family, friends, and fellow seafarers devastated by the sudden and unimaginable tragedy.

According to officials, the small private aircraft went down shortly after takeoff near the Florida Keys, resulting in the deaths of both Jacob and his son, whose names have now been released by authorities following notification of next of kin. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash, which remains under review. Early reports indicate that weather conditions may have played a role, though no definitive cause has been announced.

Jacob Harnett, affectionately known as “Captain Jake” by friends and clients, was a respected figure in the Key West fishing and boating community. For years, he captained private fishing charters, introducing countless visitors and locals alike to the beauty and adventure of the Florida Keys. His passion for the ocean was infectious — he loved the sea as much as he loved the people he shared it with. Those who knew him best described him as hardworking, generous, and endlessly kind, always ready with a smile, a story, or a helping hand.

What made Jacob’s loss even more devastating was that his young son, his constant companion and pride, was by his side during the tragic flight. The two were inseparable, often seen together around the marina, laughing and preparing for their next adventure. To many, they embodied the spirit of family and love — a father and son bound by a shared curiosity for the world and an unbreakable bond forged on the water.

As word of the accident spread, the Key West community came together in grief and solidarity. Fellow captains lowered their flags to half-staff at local docks, while friends and clients shared heartfelt tributes online, remembering Jacob as not only a skilled mariner but also a man of integrity and compassion. “He was one of the good ones,” one friend wrote. “He made everyone feel like family the moment they stepped on his boat. His love for his son and the ocean was unmatched.”

The tragedy has shaken the close-knit island community, reminding many of the fragility of life and the deep connections that make Key West feel like home. In the coming days, friends and family are expected to hold a memorial service on the water, honoring Jacob and his son in the place they loved most — the open sea. Candles, flowers, and fishing lures have already been placed along the marina docks in tribute to the pair, symbols of lives well lived and a bond that will never be broken.

Jacob Harnett’s legacy will live on in the many people he inspired — from the tourists who experienced their first deep-sea catch under his guidance, to the fellow captains who respected his skill and admired his character. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving father, a trusted friend, and a man whose heart belonged to both his family and the ocean.

As the investigation continues, the Key West community holds tight to one another, offering prayers and support to the Harnett family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Though the sea may carry their memories away, the love and light Jacob and his son brought to the world will forever remain anchored in the hearts of all who knew them.