According to the Department of Public Safety incident dispatch, Alaska State Troopers, were notified shortly before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12th of a plane crash approximately 64 miles Northeast of Saint Mary’s. At the same time an Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) activated that was registered to 57-year-old Bethel resident Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr.
The dispatch reports that two hunters who were at the scene, but not involved in the crash, provided medical care to the injured pilot and sole occupant of the plane.
The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) deployed an Alaska Air National Guard rescue team to the scene, which arrived early in the morning of September 13th. The pilot was confirmed to be Peltola who was flying a Piper SuperCub that crashed just after departure. Peltola unfortunately died before the rescue team arrived. The rescue team transported Peltola and the two uninjured hunters back to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. Peltola’s body was brought to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.
In a statement from Rep. Mary Peltola’s office released early Wednesday morning, the Peltola family is mourning the loss, and asks for privacy during this difficult time.
“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,” the statement says. “He was one of those people that was obnoxiously good at everything. He had a delightful sense of humor that lightened the darkest moments. He was definitely the cook in the family. And family was most important to him. He was completely devoted to his parents, kids, siblings, extended family, and friends – and he simply adored Mary. We are heartbroken for the family’s loss.”
Rep. Peltola was not in Alaska at the time of the accident, but returned home immediately to be with her family. Throughout the uncertain time ahead, Peltola’s staff will interact with the public on her behalf for the time being. According to her office’s statement, “Our team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on the work of the office while Mary and her family grieve.”
State and Federal officials have expressed their condolences, as well as their support, for the Peltola family.
“Rose and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Gene Peltola,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy in a statement. “He was our neighbor in Kotzebue decades ago and our paths continued to cross to this day. I knew Gene as a man who loved his family and put family first. He was smart, funny, hardworking and one of those guys you just enjoyed meeting up with. He dedicated his career to public service. Whether he was working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, serving on the Bethel city council, or speaking with state legislators, Gene always worked to ensure government worked for Alaskans. Rose and I are praying for Mary and their children, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Gene’s parents and every member of the Peltola family. He will be dearly missed.”
Peltola’s fellow delegation members also expressed their shock at the tragedy, and voiced their support.
I am shocked, saddened and truly beyond words to express my grief at the loss of Gene Peltola Jr. Anyone who met Buzzy felt his warmth, generosity and charm,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan. “It was easy to see why so many Alaskans called him a friend, and how he was so loved by his family. He was Mary’s number one supporter and truly her rock. My heart is in Alaska today with Mary and their children, and Verne and I offer prayers and condolences to them.”
“Like all Alaskans, Julie and I are shocked and saddened beyond belief by the tragic passing of Gene Peltola last night. This is an unimaginably difficult time for Mary, the entire Peltola family, and so many friends across the state,” said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Gene, and offer Mary and her family our heartfelt prayers for strength and consolation in this time of unspeakable loss and grief, and know that Alaskans across our great state are doing the same.”
Eugene Peltola formerly worked as the Regional Director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Alaska.
An NTSB investigation into the cause of the aircraft crash is forthcoming.
*Photo courtesy of Mary Peltola Facebook page