In a tragic incident, the husband of U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola lost his life in an airplane crash in western Alaska, reported AP. This unfortunate event adds to a series of fatalities involving politicians and their loved ones in Alaska, where flights are common due to the limited road infrastructure.
Anton McParland, Mary Peltola's chief of staff, conveyed the heartbreaking news, saying, "We are devastated to share that Mary’s husband, Eugene Peltola Jr. — ′Buzzy’ to all of us who knew and loved him — passed away earlier this morning following a plane accident in Alaska."
Mary Peltola, who made history as the first Alaska Native elected to Congress in the previous year, was returning home to be with her family during this difficult time. The statement also requested that the family be granted privacy to mourn their loss.
The airplane involved in the incident, a Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub, appears to have crashed during takeoff after dropping off a hunter and equipment approximately 65 miles (105 kilometers) northeast of St. Mary's. National Transportation Safety Board chairperson Jennifer Homendy shared this information during a press conference.
Alaska State Troopers identified Eugene Peltola, 57, as the pilot and the sole occupant of the plane. Two hunters who were present at the scene, though not involved in the crash, provided medical assistance to Peltola.
Following the distress signal received by the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at 8:48 p.m. on Tuesday, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway. The crash site, located approximately 450 miles (724 kilometers) west of Anchorage, is in a remote and mountainous area, according to Homendy.
Details about the plane's origin and destination before the crash remain unknown at this time.
Eugene Peltola had obtained his commercial pilot's license in 2004, which required the use of corrective lenses for all distances. The plane's FAA registry indicates it was manufactured in 1952, with ownership attributed to Bruce Werba of Holy Cross, Alaska.
Werba, along with his wife Connie, operates Alaska Pike Safaris and Wilderness Adventures, offering activities such as trophy brown bear and moose hunts, as well as pike fishing in western Alaska. Connie Werba declined to comment on the incident when contacted by The Associated Press.
Condolences poured in for Eugene Peltola, who had previously served as the Alaska regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, worked extensively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, served as a city council member in Bethel, and held leadership positions in the Alaska Native community.
In a statement, President Joe Biden expressed his condolences after speaking with Mary Peltola, acknowledging Eugene's dedicated public service and highlighting his role as a beloved husband and father.
Governor Mike Dunleavy and First Lady Rose Dunleavy also conveyed their deep sadness over the loss of their former neighbor in Kotzebue, western Alaska. They praised Eugene's commitment to public service and his efforts to benefit Alaskans.
The Bristol Bay Native Corp. extended sympathies to the congresswoman and her family, describing Eugene as a devoted family man and dedicated servant.
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, in a heartfelt message on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), expressed her profound grief over the loss of "Buzzy." She emphasized his warmth, generosity, and charm, which endeared him to many Alaskans and his family.
Mary Peltola had made history as Alaska's first Native congresswoman, winning the seat in a ranked vote special and general election following the passing of U.S. Rep. Don Young, who had held the position for 49 years. Notably, Alaska has seen several prominent politicians meet tragic ends in plane crashes, including former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens in 2010 and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, one of Mary Peltola's predecessors, in 1972.
(with inputs from AP)
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