Above: A photo of Peltola’s family taken earlier this year when she spoke to the Alaska Legislature. (Photo credit to Jasz Garrett/KINY)
On Sept. 12 at around 8:50 pm, the Alaska State Troopers were notified of a plane crash approximately 64 miles Northeast of Saint Mary’s, Alaska.
There was also an ELT activated that was registered to 57-year-old Bethel resident Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr.
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 (AK RCC) deployed an Alaska Air National Guard rescue team to the scene, which arrived early in the morning of Sept. 13.
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.
The National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the cause of the aircraft crash.
Here is the following statement from Anton McParland:
“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.
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.
Mary is returning home to be with their family, and we ask that their privacy be respected during this time. Our team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on the work of the office while Mary and her family grieve.”
Governor Mike Dunleavy issued the following statement:
“Rose and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Gene Peltola. 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.”
This article was updated to include information from the Alaska State Troopers and a statement from Governor Mike Dunleavy.
