The Alaska State Troopers were notified on September 12, 2023, at around 8:50 pm, of a plane crash approximately 64 miles Northeast of Saint Mary’s, Alaska. There was also an Emergency Locator Transmitter 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 September 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. Next of kin have been notified. The NTSB will conduct an investigation into the cause of the aircraft crash.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 in Bethel, Alaska for Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr. Condolences and prayers to his wife Congresswoman Mary Peltola and to their family.
