A tragic event unfolded in the Peltola household, as Eugene, the husband of Representative Mary Peltola, met his demise in a plane crash on Tuesday evening.
A spokesperson representing Rep. Peltola (D-AK) conveyed the unfortunate news that Eugene lost his life while flying alone in a single-engine Piper PA-18 over the skies of Alaska. The aircraft went down in close proximity to St. Mary’s, a small town situated approximately 500 miles west of Fairbanks.
According to The New York Post, Rep. Peltola was in Washington D.C. at the commencement of the new congressional session when the accident transpired. She is reportedly making arrangements to return to her residence in Alaska to be with her family during this challenging period.
Mary Peltola’s office issued a heartfelt statement regarding Eugene on Wednesday morning:
“He possessed an uncanny talent for excelling in everything he pursued. His sense of humor was a ray of light even in the darkest moments.”
The statement went on to say: “He was unquestionably the family’s culinary maestro. Family held the utmost importance in his heart. He exhibited unwavering devotion to his parents, children, siblings, extended family, and friends — and he held a profound affection for Mary.”
— Rep. Mary Peltola (@Rep_Peltola) September 13, 2023
Rep. Peltola achieved victory in the 2022 election by defeating the former Governor and GOP Vice Presidential candidate, Sarah Palin.
Eugene, affectionately known as “Buzzy,” dedicated nearly three decades of his life to the US Fish and Wildlife Department. Subsequently, from 2017 to 2022, he served as the Regional Director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Alaska.
The passing of Eugene has prompted expressions of grief from numerous prominent officials. Alaska’s Republican Governor, Mike Dunleavy, expressed his shock and deep sorrow, stating, “Rose and I are deeply saddened by Gene Peltola’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary, their children, and the entire Peltola family. Gene’s commitment to Alaska ran deep, and his absence will be keenly felt.”
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) conveyed her profound shock and sorrow, stating, “I am utterly shocked, deeply saddened, and at a loss for words to convey the depth of my grief over the passing of Gene Peltola Jr. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Buzzy experienced his genuine warmth, boundless generosity, and captivating charm. It was evident why so many Alaskans regarded him as a friend, and why his family held such deep affection for him.”
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. It was easy to see why so many Alaskans called him a friend, and how he was so loved by his family. https://t.co/tn15PHqRwW
— Sen. Lisa Murkowski (@lisamurkowski) September 13, 2023
