Tragedy Strikes as Plane Carrying Moose Meat Crashes in Alaska
In a heartbreaking incident earlier this week, a plane carrying moose meat crashed in Alaska, claiming the life of Eugene Peltola Jr., the husband of Alaska U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. The small aircraft, with Peltola Jr. as its sole occupant, met with the unfortunate accident while transporting game meat from a remote hunting camp.
The crash occurred late on a Tuesday, with two hunters present at the camp in western Alaska. These hunters immediately provided medical assistance, but sadly, Peltola Jr. could not be saved.
Initially, the National Transportation Safety Board speculated that the crash took place during takeoff after Peltola Jr. had dropped off a hunter and equipment approximately 65 miles northeast of St. Mary’s. However, Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers, revealed that the plane crashed shortly after takeoff, while carrying a second load of moose meat from the two hunters who later came to his aid.
To get to the bottom of this tragic event, a federal investigative team has arrived in Alaska. Their mission is to uncover the details surrounding the crash, but they weren’t expected to reach the crash site until Friday, depending on weather conditions.
Eugene Peltola Jr. held a commercial pilot’s license since 2004, which mandated the use of corrective lenses for all distances, as per the Federal Aviation Administration database.
Meanwhile, Rep. Mary Peltola, who made history last year as the first Alaska Native in Congress and the first woman to represent Alaska’s only U.S. House seat, has returned to Alaska. The seat had been held by Republican Don Young for 49 years before his passing.
Eugene Peltola Jr. had previously served as the Alaska regional director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and had a long and dedicated career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.