Husband of Rep. Peltola dies in plane accident

Alaska Representative Mary Peltola’s husband, Eugene Peltola Jr., was killed in a plane crash in Alaska, according to Peltola campaign officials.

In a press release from Representative Peltola’s Chief of Staff Anton McParland, Peltola, Jr died following a plane crash here in Alaska.

“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.

McParland said in a statement shared to the congresswoman’s account on X, the platform previously known as Twitter.

No details were made available in the statement and it is unclear at the time when the crash occurred.

“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 read, adding that his love devotion to his family was very important to him.

“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.

Peltola, Jr had served as the former regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Alaska.

Several of Peltola’s fellow lawmakers had already shared their condolences minutes after the statement was posted.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in a statement that he's "deeply saddened" about the tragic news.

“I am so terribly sorry, @Rep_Peltola. Our hearts are with you and your family today,” Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said.

In a statement from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Suzan DelBene released the following statement following news that Rep. Mary Peltola’s husband, Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr., passed away earlier this morning following a plane accident in Alaska:

“The experience of losing a partner and loved one is one of immeasurable grief, which no one should have to endure. I, along with my House colleagues and the entire DCCC family, am praying for Mary and her family.”

Here in Alaska, Governor Mike Dunleavy and Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski also shared their condolences for Representative Peltola’s family.

“Rose and I are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Gene Peltola. We will be praying for Mary, their children, and all of the Peltola family,” wrote Governor Dunleavy.

“Gene’s dedication to Alaska ran deep, and he will be dearly missed.”

Senator Sullivan said he and his family were shocked and saddened at the untimely and tragic passing of Peltola, Jr.

“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.”

“Anyone who met Buzzy felt his warmth, generosity, and charm,” wrote Senator Murkowski, adding, “It was easy to see why so many Alaskans called him a friend, and how he was so loved by his family.”

McParland said Mary Peltola will be returning home to be with her family, adding that the team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on work.

“We are heartbroken for the family’s loss.”

This is a developing story.