Congressman Mary Peltola's husband, Eugene Peltola Jr., known affectionately as ‘Buzzy’, lost his life in a plane crash on Wednesday.
The news was confirmed by Congresswoman Peltola's office in a solemn statement that cast a shadow over her return to Capitol Hill after the August recess.
Eugene Peltola Jr. held a regional position with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and had previously been in Washington in January to witness his wife's swearing-in ceremony as a member of Congress. The sudden and shocking loss of Mr. Peltola has left the political community and constituents in deep sorrow.
The statement from Congresswoman Peltola's office described Mr. Peltola as a family-oriented individual and humorously noted that he was "obnoxiously good at everything."
It expressed heartfelt condolences and announced that Congresswoman Peltola would be returning home following the tragic accident.
Anton McParland, Ms. Peltola's chief of staff, conveyed the team's profound grief in a statement, saying, "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 further stated, "We are heartbroken for the family's loss. Our team will continue to meet with constituents and carry on the work of the office while Mary and her family grieve."
Alaska, known for its challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions, unfortunately experiences a higher rate of plane crashes than the contiguous 48 states. This reality adds a layer of sadness to the tragedy and serves as a reminder of the unique challenges faced by the state's residents and political figures who often rely on air travel for transportation.
The untimely loss of Eugene Peltola Jr. casts a somber shadow over the political landscape, with condolences pouring in from across the nation for Congresswoman Mary Peltola and her family during this difficult time.
— Rep. Mary Peltola (@Rep_Peltola) September 13, 2023
