Rep. Mary Peltola's (D-AK) husband died Wednesday following a plane crash in Alaska.
Eugene Peltola's passing was confirmed in a statement from the congresswoman's husband following his tragic passing.
Husband of Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola dies after shocking plane crash https://t.co/sMSynLZ95n
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 13, 2023
"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," her office wrote in a statement.
"He was one of those people that was obnoxiously good at everything. He had a delightful sense of humor that lightened the darkest moments," the statement continued. "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."
I am shocked and saddened by the passing of Gene Peltola, Jr. He was an extraordinarily kind person who improved the energy of whatever room he was in. All my condolences to the Peltola family at this terrible time. https://t.co/7E9TNxdX63
— Rep. Andrew Gray (@rep_gray) September 13, 2023
"Alaska State Troopers were notified of the crash about 64 miles northeast of the village of St. Mary’s around 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to a statement from the state Department of Public Safety. Federal aviation authorities identified the plane as a single-engine Piper PA-18 Super Cub and said it crashed in mountainous terrain," Anchorage Daily News reported.
"The crash occurred just following Peltola’s departure, after dropping off the hunter, according to state public safety officials, who said Peltola was the only person on the plane. Two hunters at the scene of the crash provided medical care, but Peltola died before a rescue team arrived early Wednesday," the report added.
The congresswoman's husband, 57, served as the former regional director of Indian Affairs for Alaska.
He also served for more than three decades in the state for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
His loss has led to an abundance of support and condolences from leaders across Alaska and nationwide following the tragedy.
The congresswoman flew home on Wednesday morning from Washington to be with family, grieving the loss of her beloved husband.
