Owen Mason, the Artist Killed on flight 447

In researching the histories of the three 9/11 survivors killed on flight 447, the easiest to learn about was Owen Mason.

Owen Mason was, at the time of his death, a 45 year old artist, specializing in "modern art" sculptures. Born to an Iranian father and an American mother, he'd been living in the United States since his family immigrated when he was 10 years old. Most of his work was sold to Middle Eastern clients, and some of his sculptures adorn suites in some of the famed Duabi luxury hotels.

After his narrow escape on Sept 11, he disappeared for about three years, finally surfacing in the form of a criminal case in New York state, where he'd been arrested for cocaine possession. Inexplicably, he received noting more than probation. Details on if he completed that probation are sketchy.

He eventually surfaced again listed as a Blackwarer contractor, working as a translator in Iraq. He spent four years in Iraq, finally returning in March of 2008. He joined the McCain campaign later that year, translating many of McCain's speeches for Arab news outlets. He went to Brazil in December, 2008. He had not left Brazil until he boarded the Paris bound flight that would end his life. While in Brazil, he'd started a small business selling elaborate carnival masks, most with an architectural theme. He had close to $40,000 in unfilled pre-orders awaiting his attention when he returned. His will has not been found, nor are there many details on the condition of his estate, if any.