YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Leaders representing the business community and public sector on Monday mourned the loss of those killed in a tragic plane crash that occurred Sunday morning, shortly after taking off from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

“On behalf of the Western Reserve Port Authority, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by this tragedy,” said Anthony Trevena, executive director of the port authority, which operates the airport. 

The Trumbull County Coroner’s Office yesterday released the names of the four passengers and two crew members who perished in the crash of a twin-engine Cessna in Howland Township. 

James Weller, 67, Veronica Weller, 68, John Weller, age 36, and 34-year-old Maria Weller, were the four passengers who were killed in the crash. Also killed were pilot Joseph Maxin, 63, and co-pilot Timothy Blake, aged 55.   

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the twin-engine Cessna 441 Conquest owned by Meander Air LLC took off from Youngstown-Warren at 6:53 a.m. Sunday before crashing into a residential area minutes later. No one on the ground was injured. The aircraft was bound for Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in Montana. 

Officials have called it the worst aviation disaster in the airport’s history.

James Weller was president and CEO of Liberty Steel Industries Inc., records show. John Weller served as the company’s materials coordinator and oversaw purchasing at the company. 

“We are deeply saddened by Sunday’s tragic plane crash in Howland that claimed the lives of six individuals, including four members of the Weller family—James, Veronica, John and Maria—respected pilot Joseph Maxin and co-pilot Timothy Blake,” according to a statement released by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

“The Weller family’s contributions in the steel industry are part of the region’s proud industrial history and helped shape the economic fabric of the Valley for generations,” the Chamber said. “Their loss is immeasurable, both personally and professionally, and their absence will be profoundly felt across the Valley.”

The Weller family has been associated with the steel business for 60 years. Jim Weller Sr., who died in January at age 94, co-founded Liberty Steel Products in 1965 with his father, Andrew, and brother Jack, in Sharpsville, Pa. The company then moved to North Jackson, where it is engaged in processing and distribution of carbon flat-rolled steel.

In 2015, a separate entity, Liberty Steel Industries Inc., was formed. The company, located in Warren, operates steel processing, welding, fabrication and stamping plants in Warren and Saltillo, Mexico. The company also operates a distribution center in Lordstown. 

“The whole Weller family has a passion for this community,” reflected Alex Hertzer, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturer’s Coalition, of which Liberty Steel Industries is a member. “I was always impressed.”

Jim Weller Sr. was also co-owner of Sharon Speedway between 2002 and 2024, and his son became a racing enthusiast, according to a Facebook post from Sharon Speedway. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jim Weller, Jr., his wife Veronica, along with their son John and his wife Maria on Sunday,” Sharon Speedway said in a statement on its Facebook page. “Jim won 36 times in the Big-Block Modified division at Sharon Speedway and was a 2-time track champion.”

The community is also shocked by the death of Maxin, a former Mahoning County assistant prosecutor who was also an experienced aviator.  Maxin served as an assistant prosecutor between 1990 and 2007, when he left to pursue opportunities in aviation, according to the prosecutor’s office. 

The Chamber said Maxin was “a leader in aviation, a dedicated educator at Youngstown State University’s new flight school, and a trusted voice at the Western Reserve Port Authority. We stand with Anthony Trevena and the Port Authority team as they grieve a colleague and friend. Our thoughts are also with Mike Hillman and the JETS FBO team at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport. In this time of sorrow, we hold all those impacted in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Mahoning County Prosecutor’s office also expressed its condolences in a statement. 

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Joseph Maxin’s family, friends, and all those mourning his loss,” the office said in a statement through Lynn Maro, Mahoning County prosecutor. “He will be deeply missed by the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career.” 

“He was not only a skilled attorney, but also a beloved friend and colleague, known for his kindness, good nature, and one-of-a-kind humorous personality,” the statement continued. “We also extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the other five individuals who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with all those affected during this difficult time.” 

Maxin had served on the port authority’s board of directors and was currently acting as the organization’s director of compliance.

Maxin was also the lead flight instructor for Youngstown State University’s new flight school – a partnership between the university, the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, and the port authority.  The new school on Friday hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in which Maxin served as a guest speaker.

“A selfless public servant and pilot, Joseph dedicated his life to serving the Mahoning Valley,” Trevena said. “From his work in the Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office to his instrumental role in launching the flight school in collaboration with Youngstown State University, he was committed to educating the next generation of aviation professionals.”

The NTSB is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash, which is unknown. 

“This loss hits the port authority team hard,” Trevena said. “Joseph’s legacy and impact on this community will not be forgotten.”