Editor’s note: This summary highlights one of the most-read stories on BusinessJournalDaily.com in 2025.
The Business Journal’s coverage of a tragic plane crash that killed four members of a prominent business family and two pilots was among the news organization’s most-read stories in 2025.
On June 29, a twin Cessna crashed in Howland Township minutes after taking off from the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, claiming the lives of James Weller, CEO of Liberty Steel Industries Inc., and his wife, Veronica. Weller’s son, John, and his wife, Maria Weller, were also killed.
Also killed in the crash were pilot Joe Maxin and co-pilot Timothy Blake.
The National Transportation Safety Board issued a preliminary report on the crash July 24. On Dec. 9, the estate of Maria Weller filed a lawsuit in Trumbull County against the company that owned the plane and the estate of the pilot.
Read the full story HERE.