Statement on the Death of Eugene "Buzzy" Peltola, Jr.

Jill and I send our love and prayers to Congresswoman Mary Sattler Peltola on the sudden death of her husband, Eugene "Buzzy" Peltola, Jr., earlier today in a plane accident in Alaska.

Back in May, Mary and Buzzy hosted Jill during a visit to a rural high school in their hometown of Bethel, Alaska. On Monday, Mary and their daughter Kaeli joined me during a visit with troops stationed in Anchorage to commemorate the 22d anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on our Nation.

Spend even a minute with Mary and you'll feel the love she has for her State and its people, and most of all, the love she has for her husband and their seven children. Buzzy was a devoted public servant, and in the tributes coming from all over the State today, he is being remembered as a friend to all. But we know he was, first and always, the adored and devoted husband and father to a family now in pain.

On Monday, Mary flew back with me to Washington on Air Force One with the whole world ahead of her. Today I spoke with her with that world shattered in shock and sadness. To the family: Such a loss is cruel and unfair, and the first hours, days, and weeks will be the hardest. But we hope you remember that he will always be with you. And we pray the day will come when his memory will bring a smile to your lips before it brings a tear to your eyes. It will take time, but that day will come. In the difficult time ahead, we keep you in our prayers.

May God bless Eugene "Buzzy" Peltola, Jr.