May 18, 2025 | By Rachel Lin | National News Service
Los Angeles, CA — A devastating aviation disaster rocked downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon when a private jet carrying the arena football team Los Angeles KISS crashed into the popular Girl & the Goat restaurant on West 3rd Street, killing 20 people and leaving 15 others injured.
Emergency services responded within minutes of the 3:17 p.m. crash, which occurred during peak brunch hours in the bustling Beverly Grove neighborhood. Authorities have confirmed that all 12 passengers on the plane — including players, coaches, and staff — perished upon impact. An additional 8 individuals inside the restaurant were also killed, with multiple patrons and employees critically injured.
A Shocking Turn of Events
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft involved was a Gulfstream IV jet, registered to KISS Sports Group, en route from Las Vegas following a charity event. The plane reportedly experienced engine failure moments before approach to Van Nuys Airport and attempted an emergency landing.
Air traffic control transcripts reveal the pilot radioed in distress around 3:12 p.m., reporting “rapid loss of altitude” and “critical mechanical failure.” Despite attempts to redirect to Santa Monica Airport, the jet fell from radar and crashed directly into the rear dining patio of the restaurant — a popular destination frequented by celebrities, tourists, and locals alike.
Witnesses described the impact as a “massive fireball” followed by “screams, chaos, and heavy smoke.” Flames engulfed the rear of the building and damaged surrounding storefronts before firefighters brought the blaze under control roughly 45 minutes later.
Lives Lost
Officials have not yet released all victim names pending notification of next of kin, but a press briefing from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths of:
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Team Captain Marcus “Tank” Hughes (32), star linebacker and community icon
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Head Coach Randy Doyle (58), a veteran of arena football for two decades
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Seven active players and two team executives
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Eight patrons and workers of Girl & the Goat, including one child
Fifteen more people were transported to Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center, with five in critical condition, including a restaurant line cook and a toddler who was dining with her family.
Community in Shock
Tributes and shock have poured in from across the sports and entertainment world. The Los Angeles KISS, co-founded in 2014 with backing from rock legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, had built a loyal local following and was known for blending football with theatrical flair.
Gene Simmons issued a statement late Saturday:
“Our hearts are broken beyond words. We’ve lost friends, teammates, and family today. We mourn together with the city we love.”
Los Angeles Mayor Jacqueline Romero has declared three days of mourning, with flags to be flown at half-staff citywide.
Restaurant Devastated
Girl & the Goat, an acclaimed restaurant founded by celebrity chef Stephanie Izard, was closed indefinitely following the crash. Izard, who was not present at the time, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“We are shattered. Our staff is family, and many of our guests today were friends. We’re grieving with everyone impacted.”
The building sustained extensive damage, and fire officials say structural engineers will need to assess whether it can be salvaged. Surrounding businesses were also forced to close as the area remains an active investigation site.
FAA and NTSB Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. While early reports cite engine malfunction, investigators have not ruled out other factors, including possible fuel contamination or flight control failure.
The pilot, identified as Captain Laura Bremer (44), had logged over 6,000 flight hours and had no known prior incidents. She is being posthumously praised for steering the plane away from denser urban areas in what likely prevented an even larger disaster.
A City Mourns
In a candlelight vigil held Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena, fans, teammates, and family gathered in silence, many wearing the team’s iconic flame-and-black jerseys. A large projection screen showed highlights of recent games, ending with the message:
“Forever in our hearts. LA KISS 2025.”
The Arena Football League also confirmed the suspension of all league play for one week in honor of the victims.
Grief counselors are being made available by the city for survivors, families, and staff of the affected businesses.
If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy, free grief support is available through the Los Angeles Trauma Recovery Network at (213) 555-7865.
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