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U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola’s husband Eugene ‘Buzzy’ Peltola Jr. has been killed in a plane crash in Alaska.
Her office confirmed she is returning to the state to be with her family.
“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,” Peltola’s chief of staff, Anton McParland, said in the statement.
“He was one of those people that was obnoxiously good at everything,” the statement continued. “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.”
McParland also added that he was “completely devoted to his parents, kids, siblings, extended family, and friends — and he simply adored Mary,” adding, “We are heartbroken for the family’s loss.”
According to the statement, Rep. Peltola is now “returning home to be with their family,” with the statement asking for privacy and adding: “Our team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on the work of the office while Mary and her family grieve.”
Peltola’s husband, who was the pilot, was the only one on board.
The plane crash shortly after takeoff from St. Mary’s, Alaska around 8:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Who was Eugene Peltola Jr?
Eugene Peltola served as the regional director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Alaska, overseeing offices in Fairbanks and Anchorage.
He was an Alaska native who served in local government and on corporate boards and operated two businesses. He was vice-mayor and councilman for Bethel, Alaska from 2010-2012.
