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Tech tycoon's tragic 'family first' post resurfaces after Learjet plane crash killed nine
One of the final messages the tech tycoon killed in Sunday's horror plane crash shared was about the plans he had to prioritize his family over his high-flying career.
Adam Robinson, 45, was killed alongside his wife Helen Sharp, their four-year-old daughter Emma, their two-year-old son Charlie, and five others when their private jet hurtled to earth from 35,000 feet.
In the days after his tragic and untimely death, a social media post he shared in April has resurfaced. It marked how determined he was to make the most of his children's childhoods and time spent with loved ones.
Robinson did not want to live like other business giants
The businessman recalled his time working on Wall Street, watching his colleagues sacrifice their family lives for kudos and bonuses.
In the now heartbreaking post, Robinson wrote: “People my age now (45) said they were working 70, 80, 90 hours a week for their families… but all their families actually wanted was their presence.
“They didn’t understand why their families resented how much they worked when they lived in a nice house and their kids went to private schools.”
Explaining that he did not want himself or his own employees to fall into the same harmful headspace, he added: “I decided early in my startup journey that wasn’t going to be me.”
Describing how he enabled his staff to have a healthy work-life balance, he noted that he and his co-founders introduced a policy of “quitting” work at 5PM or 5.30PM each day, meaning work conversations finish and laptops close at this time.
The doting dad of two concluded the post with a sweet outlook on life: “My family life gives me energy for my work. My work gives me energy for my family life.”
Robinson's words have become even more poignant since his family's tragic passing.
The families and employees of the victims share their tributes
A joint statement from the families of Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, Emma and Charlie Robinson, Rachael Reed, Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina paying tribute to those who were killed in the crash reads: “With broken hearts, our families share that Adam Robinson and Helen Sharp, their children Emma and Charlie, Rachael Reed and Charmi Fehr, and Anita Maria Cetina were among those lost aboard the flight that went down near Greenacres, Florida, on November 1.
"Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, four, and Charlie, two, were the light of their lives. Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.
"Charmi and Rachel were full of joy and adventure. They loved their people fiercely, fully and without hesitation. From the moment they met, they were all in on each other and the life they were building. They are deeply loved, and we will miss them endlessly.
"Anita Maria cared for Emma and Charlie with tenderness and devotion, and she was truly part of the family. She showed us a legacy of unconditional love and devotion.
"We are deeply grateful to the first responders, investigators, and the Palm Beach County community for their care, and to everyone who has reached out with love. Our hearts are also with the families of the pilots, who are grieving alongside us.
"We ask for privacy as we grieve. Details about memorial services will be shared once arrangements are made."
An official statement from Robinson's company, Retention.com RB2B, and Moltsets reads: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Adam Robinson, our CEO and co-founder, his wife Helen and their two young children, who died in a tragic plane crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on November 1, 2026.
"Adam was much more than our CEO. He was a friend, a mentor and a bold, outspoken leader who lived life to the fullest. He cared deeply about the people around him and brought energy and conviction to everything he built. His loss is deeply felt across our team and the tech community, as we collectively mourn this significant loss.
"Our hearts are with Adam and Helen’s family and loved ones, and with everyone affected by the crash. We ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Our immediate focus at Retention.com, RB2B, and Moltsets is supporting our employees and Adam and Helen’s family. We are grateful for the kindness and support extended to them and our team.”